We all have role models. We all have people who have helped smooth the pavement when things got rocky. We all have those people who have shown us undying love, wisdom and strength. So here I am to thank you for that.

To the Strong Women Who Have Impacted My Life,

Mom:

We've always been at odds since you know...that thing called Puberty and hormones. I don't say it enough though, thank you. Thank you for always pushing me to do the better thing. Whether that be not hitting the send button and regretting it later or telling me not to buy that expensive thing that will only make me happy for a short while. You've of course impacted my life by giving birth to me. But you've also never have given up on me. No matter how dark, dreary, and unpleasant the ride got for us, thank you for being by my side. Without you, I don't know if I would've been able to survive the things I have. I don't know if I could've dealt with growing up as fast as I had to if I didn't have your strength when times got hard to look up too. I don't say it enough, but I love you...even when you drive me crazy (not that the feeling isn't mutual). You're the best mom I could've ever gotten. Thank you for teaching me all you did while I was still in the nest. But also thank you for kicking me out of the nest to make me fly on my own. Your strength will forever be what I aim to have when it comes to my own children.

To the Aunt I've Never Actually Met:

I got blessed to have you come into my life at the most perfect time when I didn't know where to turn. Sometimes, I just needed that extra little, "Hita, you're being dumb, stop". At other times, I needed the ear to listen and not snap judgement about what I had to tell. You became my shoulder from a distance. Having you through my difficult times, sharing your wisdom and experiences with a naive teenager, I couldn't be more thankful. To see all you've accomplished in your life. All the strength and perseverance it took to get you where you are now...I know you're proud of me, but I'm proud of you. Thank you for all you've done from a distance. The moment I meet you, I will be running into your arms to thank you. You are such a role model to me, just like my mom.

To my Best Friend,

I've had you in my life so long that I don't even know what I would do without you. We have gone through so much in life separately and together...and the way you have never faltered. I just admire it so much. I am so proud of all you've done and I can't wait to see what you will do. Your constant positivity has kept me going more times than you realize. You knowing me, knowing when I need someone even when I claim I'm okay, the random trips every where. Every memory and thing we've done together, I couldn't thank you enough for bringing to my life what you have. You are honestly one of the strongest woman I know and I will have an admiration for your constant optimism and strength forever.

To my Coworkers,

From listening to my teenage rants and raves about stupid boys, bad situations etc...I can't thank you enough. The three of you have never faltered in supporting me. You have never failed to not let me get so down on myself. You never let me forget that I have a support system so great from such a small place. Between the three of you, the strength I've gained through your words of encouragement. The wisdom I've gathered from the experiences you've told me about, I will forever be grateful for the time I've had to work with you ladies. Knowing I have my work family some days has been what gets me through. I love you ladies and look up to you more than you will ever know. Out of the years I've worked with you, I've grown and changed so much, please know you helped me get to where I am now and I am forever grateful.

To all of the Ladies I also Refer to as Mom,

You have taught me great strength. You've taken me in and helped mold me into what I am today. The experiences I've had with you all are by far some of the bests. I don't know how to thank you enough for being role models to me.

To all of the Ladies I've Mentioned in this Letter,

Thank you. Thank you for being my role models. For my everyday adventures. My rough patches. For my relationships. For when I have children myself. The strength you've shown me, helped me get and passed on to me...I don't know where I'd be without it or you all.

With very very very much love,

The One You Showed Such Strength To