Mommy,

There have been a lot of these "open letters to my mom" floating around on the Internet, but none of them ever fit what I've always wanted to say to you. I thought I'd write one of my own.

Thank you for (almost) always picking up the phone when I call, no matter how many times I've already talked to you that day. Whether I'm trying to figure out why my food doesn't taste as good as yours or which dress I should wear for formal, you always have the answer, even if it's a sarcastic one. And thank you for giving me advice without having to ask for it, because that's just what you do. You taught me how to always be there for someone you love, even when it's not convenient for you.

Thank you for being brutally honest with me, even though I don't always like it. You're the only person who will tell me if my hair looks like a rat's nest or if I'm whining too much. There's a lot of fake in this materialistic world, but you are genuine and real. You taught me how to have my own opinion, and how to still get along with someone even when you don't agree.

Thank you for letting me borrow (or steal) your clothes. I mean, basically half of my closet is your old clothes or clothes you don't know I stole from your closet. Perks of having a fashionable mom, I guess. You taught me how to literally give the clothes off your back for others, sometimes just because you wanna see them smile.

Thank you for paying for everything. There are plenty of parents who can't or won't pay for their children anymore, but I'm lucky enough to have a mom who makes sure that I've never had to take out a student loan for tuition and never worried if I can afford rent next month. And you always make sure I never leave home without a new set of acrylic nails and freshly waxed eyebrows, just because you love me. You taught me the value of money, but also that money isn't everything.

I know I'm not easy. I'm expensive, sassy, sarcastic, and sometimes rude. I roll my eyes at you when you tell me to make my bed and I groan when you make me unload the dishwasher, but I find myself missing it when I'm away. I also find myself turning into you a little more every day, and I think that might be one of the greatest honors I could have. It's a privilege to learn from you, and even more so to become like you.

I'll love you forever and like you for always. And I do miss you every day.

Love,

Your daughter