Dear Mom,

Over the past eighteen years you’ve raised me. You’ve taught me the ropes to life and how to be the woman I am today. Our journey as a family hasn’t been easy by any means but you’ve always showed your strength. As I get older and I start my journey into college, I want to always remain that person you’ve raised me to be. The things I’ve learned from you I could never forget. You told me that who I am, no one could ever take that away from me. Reminding me countless times that I am beautiful and that I am loved.

You’ve held me close when I went through my first heartbreak and you’re holding me now while I’m not at home. I’m on my own, and it seems scary a lot of times because I’m growing up. It’s funny how my entire childhood was focused on growing up and becoming a “big girl” and now, I’m here and I wish I could curl up and relive my childhood. I guess now I can say it… You were right. You always were right even when I didn’t want you to be. You’re always going to be right because let’s face it, you’ve been there you’ve done that… If only I’d listened to you all the time.

Thank you, for not saying I told you so. Thank you for praying for me every night when you didn’t know where I was and I was going through my own “thing.” You were quiet in your strength a lot, but as I get to a point in my life where getting married and having kids is more relevant, I see everything I want to be in you. Even though you tell me all the time you never want me to be like you, I think you’re wrong. I think you’re stronger than you think. I don’t think you realize how amazing of a job you’ve done raising me and my sister. Our situation is unique to us and at times, it seemed impossible, but by your prayers and your faith you made it possible. You tell me over and over again that you’re so proud of who I’ve become but you need to understand that you really did contribute A LOT to who I am now. Thank you.

There are so many things I could never thank you enough for. But in time, I hope to show you how grateful I really am. I am so thankful for you as a person and you as my mom. You’ve become my best friend and I’ll always cherish our hour long phone calls from now. I love you forever.

Love,