If words could even begin to express my heart, I would start by saying thank you. Those two words are so small and there's no way they can ever compare to all that you've done for me. But I pray that through this you know just how much I mean it.

Words will always fall short when I try to convey how much you mean to me and the place you have in my heart.

If I could tell you one thing, I would start by saying thank you. Thank you for all the physical things you do for me. Those are the smallest things in comparison but I'm still so thankful for them. Thank you for constantly being a tower for me to hold on to when I'm unsteady. Thank you for always being an ear to listen, and a voice to give me hard love when I need it. Thank you for never allowing me to spiral downhill, but helping me learn to pull myself out the minute I start to fall down. Thank you for being a rock, not only for me to lean on but also to get solid advice from. Thank you for never allowing me to question myself or the love you have for me. Thank you for being you.

When I look at you, I see so many things. I see a woman that is a force to be reckoned with. I see an overcomer, not just a survivor who endured a gruesome battle, but one who kicked butt. I see a brave spirit, one that isn't afraid to take risks and jump out in faith. I see a friend, that is there no matter what, and will never allow me to talk down on myself. I see a pure heart; one that finds good in everything, because there's always a silver lining. I see a mother who loves with all she has and would end up in jail before allowing a finger to be laid on her babies. I see a woman who knows her insecurities and flaws, but never dwells on them long term. I see someone who I can only dream of ever becoming.

If I could give you one thing, it would be the ability to see yourself through my eyes and then maybe you would understand the place you hold in my heart, and why you hold it.

Above all of this, I'm thankful for all that you gave me and continue to give me. You gave me a family, one that supports me in all I do and stands with me through the toughest storms. You gave me a sense of myself, one that I have grown to love and not tear down. You gave me the ability to find the good in all things, because there has to be one positive even if its buried beneath all the negative. You gave me love, one that is unconditional and knows no bounds. You gave me a home, one that isn't a place, but a feeling.

When I see you, I see who I want to be. I see the strongest woman I've ever known. And I thank God for that.