After calling my mom on the phone the other day, I realized it had been the first phone call where we'd talked in a while. Had it really been weeks since I had last spoken to her? How could someone who I’d told everything to for 18 years suddenly become someone who I only called up when I had a question about how to do my laundry?

When I first arrived at college, the transition wasn’t very easy for me. It took me a long time to adjust to my new environment and on many occasions, the one person who could calm me down was my mom. When I was feeling vulnerable, she was the one who continually reminded me to keep going because things would improve. Even though I had difficulty believing it at first, she was right. In fact, she always is and always was right.

Mothers are the best kind of friend you can ask for, and my mom is no exception. I can turn to her for anything and everything; nothing is off-limits. I love doing anything and everything with her. Our simple, low-key shopping and coffee date days are still my favorites. I know there are days when I'm less than pleasant or enjoyable to be around, but she still makes me a priority, even when I definitely don't deserve it.

I believe there’s real power in the little things that you do every day. It took me coming to college to realize just how many of these small things she had done for me that I'd always taken for granted. I no longer rely on her to wake me up in the morning and when I (finally) do wake up, there isn’t a fresh pot of coffee waiting for me. When I use a cup, it is no longer “magically” cleaned and put back into the cupboard. While these kinds of things may seem minor, they say a lot about my mom. She is willing to go out of her way to ensure that my family and I are happy and comfortable. She always puts us before herself and her selflessness is what keeps our family going.

I know that now that I'm not at home she worries about me. But mom, if you're reading this, I want you to know that I'm doing just fine. There are good days and bad ones, but I feel grateful knowing I have you no matter where I am or how long it has been. Without your support over the years, I would not be sitting in this dorm room typing this very article. I wouldn't have the drive to try new things, meet new people, or make the exciting memories I am currently making.

Even though it might not always seem like it, I'm always thinking about home. I miss you more than words can describe. I'm sorry I don't call as much as I know I should, I'm just busy chasing my dreams. But always remember that whatever I'm doing or wherever I go, it's because you helped me get there. And for that, you deserve much more than a measly phone call.

Thank you for everything.

I love you, Mom.