Mom, you have been Mom and Dad, Wife and Husband, for almost all of my life. Our situation isn't uncommon in today's world, but that doesn't make it any easier. What you have done for me and my sister is something I will (hopefully) never have to experience, so I can't say I know what it feels like. However, I can say thank you.

Thank you, for trying your best when you were exhausted, sick and lonely. Thank you, for always apologizing after slipping up and saying an unkind word towards me. Thank you for not giving up, not giving in, and not turning towards things other than your family for support. Thank you for trying to protect my childhood and never saying a bad word about my father. Thank you for being goofy and silly with me. Thank you for letting me dance on your toes to the Eagles. Thank you for giving your one hundred percent to your two children with no regrets.

I may never know the stress and hardships of working a job, and raising two girls on your own; but you should know how much I love and thank you for that. I want nothing more than to repay your sacrifices to me. I hope I get the chance to do that some day. I know you still have a few more years to get through my sister’s rough teenage years, and I hope that this letter will encourage you and give you the strength to do that. She may not realize her love and respect for you now, but I hope it will get worth it when she does. I hope it’s worth it to know that I do. I love you, I thank you, and I can't wait to repay you in anyway I can.