To the most amazing mom ever,
When I say I could not have made it without you, I truly mean it. I am not quoting a cliché phrase, I am speaking the truth. I want to thank you for everything you have done for me, because I know I do not say it enough.
Thank you for letting me dream.
Although my dreams were sometimes far-fetched (like finding a prince and becoming a princess), you always encouraged me to aim for the moon, but that it is always okay to land among the stars. You taught me that if I wanted to achieve my dreams, I would have to work hard, even when it seemed like others didn't have to work as hard. You told me I could become whatever I wanted to be and that being like everyone else was no fun. Having crazy, unrealistic dreams is okay, and you taught me that.
Thank you for letting me make my own mistakes.
You would always give me a heads-up that I always dismissed, as you trying to tell me what to do. 99 percent of the time, you were right, but you let me learn for myself. You let me make my mistakes, then run to you crying, but I never heard an "I told you so." You always help me to see the good that will come out of my greatest mistakes. You taught me mistakes are the best way to learn. Even though I know you are right, I still dismiss your warnings, and I am not really sure why.
Thank you for always keeping me grounded.
Even if it meant actually grounding me, you always made sure I wasn't becoming a brat or full of myself; and I don't know how I could ever repay you. I wonder what the world would be like if moms did what you did and did not let their kids get what they want all the time. You taught me I am not entitled to anything and I am only deserving of what I actually worked for. You are the reason I don't think the world revolves around me (which is a good thing, no matter how much my 8-year-old self argued.)
Thank you for sacrificing your dreams and wants for me.
I know you dreamed of your life being a little different than it is now, but I personally would not want it any other way. You spent countless hours at my events when you were invited to a friend's gathering. You always made sure I had what I needed before you got what you needed. You truly put me and the family before yourself. I will forever be thankful for your sacrifices.
Thank you for teaching me to appreciate myself.
There is nothing wrong with trying to improve yourself, but always staying true to yourself is most important. If you are improving yourself to become the best you can be, you are on the right track. If you are trying to become someone you are not, you need to rethink what you are doing. You taught me that as long as I am working to be the best version of MYSELF, I will always be beautiful and worthy.
Thank you for teaching me to be young, be foolish, but be happy.
You have quoted this to me many times, but it wasn't until lately I realized how important it is to do. You showed me no matter how old you are, you are going to make mistakes, but you should always be happy. You should be happy with what you do. You taught me to always look on the bright side of things and to never let the world diminish my smile.
So, thank you for being the greatest mom ever and for me teaching so much over the years. I couldn't imagine having any other mom. You are one of the most beautiful women I know and I will always aspire to become like you. The lessons you have taught me I will never forget. I just hope I can teach my daughter these lessons as well as you have taught them. You da bomb.com, mom (no, this phrase probably wasn't a part of the cotillion lessons I went through, sorry ma.)
I love you forever, Momma;
- Your favorite daughter
