To the strongest woman I know,

Thank you so much, for everything. I have been thinking a lot about how I got to where I am. I've thought about every aspect of my life and let me tell you, you have been apart of it all. You have helped me through every rough patch. Turned every frown upside down. Been there for me when no one else has. You've also been there at my happiest moments. Every single athletic banquet. The person I come home to after a date. The person I spill my heart out too. And I've been thinking about how grateful I am to have you. So Mom, this one is for you.

Some people say home is a place. A building or environment that they feel the most comfortable in. To other people home is a feeling. It doesn't matter where you are as long as you have that feeling of home. For me, and maybe for other people, home is a person. A voice. A hug. A look. A smile. And I am so happy we live in this life time because I know anytime I am away from you and need a sense of home, you are a simple, text, skype, phone call away.

You are the wisest person I know. Sure you are human and you make mistakes. But to me, you have always been my hero. And as you always say, "Not all hero's wear caps." Anytime I am every struggling, you always know what to say. Even if it is a little eye opening and harsh. You give it to me straight. You don't beat around the bush. And I'm thankful for that. Even when I don't know what is wrong you always can tell I am not myself.

I love our dates. You are my breakfast, lunch and dinner date. My movie buddy. Oh and I can't forget about our shopping days. We should not be left alone together. It surprising that we never get bored. Even when we have our lazy days: a full day of movies, followed by a nap, then dinner then a fire outside. You are definitely my best friend. Okay the dogs are a close second but you definitely come first.

You are my religious inspiration. You inspire me to grow and have a closer relationship with god. He has made you one hell of a woman. Because you are the strongest woman I know. You have raised three independent strong willed women. And I speak for all three of us when I say, I don't know anyone as strong as you. You always have our backs. Literally no one messes with us. Trust me, you don't want to receive an email written by my mother. We are who we are because of how you (... and dad) raised us. If you don't already know, I love you so much. How much? I got a tattoo for you. You are permanently on my body.