Ever since I was little, I have always been the spitting image of my mom. And as if I didn’t already know—everyone I met just had to point it out to me. Repetitively hearing it over and over got a little old, and every time someone mentioned it to me I would roll my eyes and say “yeah, I get that a lot.” I mean hey, I was young, unappreciative, and stubborn. The older I get though, the more grateful I have become for my resemblance to my mother, and when someone notices and says something, I smile and say thank you, because now I view it as an accomplishment.

At this point in my life I regret ever being embarrassed or annoyed when people would tell me I looked just like my mom; she is beautiful, smart, selfless and one of the strongest people I know, and if I look like her, it’s one step closer to being as great of a person as she is. I have watched my mom handle every kind of situation with poise and class, while always putting the needs of others—especially her children’s—above her own. For this I owe her everything, and I don’t thank her enough for helping shape me into the person I am today.

Mom, there will never be enough thank-yous to demonstrate how much I appreciate all you’ve done for me, but this is a start. Thank you for always having a home-cooked meal made even after a long day, and for serving it to kids who forgot to say thank you. You were at every awkward middle school volleyball game, every talent show, and every football game I cheered at, supporting me and smiling from the stands, and I forgot to show you my appreciation almost every time. At the end of every day, whether it was a good day or bad, you were still my biggest fan—you were there through heartbreak and happiness, whenever I needed you.

Thank you mom, for being my biggest support system. You were next to me through every college application, every acceptance letter and in allowing me to make my decision on where to go to school. Thank you for always letting me make my own choices and learn from my own experiences, but also for teaching me right from wrong and how to be the best person I can be. You have taught me to be selfless, accepting, and independent, while always reminding me to live by my faith and put my family before anything else.

Now, when people tell me I look just like my mom, I take it as a compliment. I am blessed to look like you mom, and I am blessed to have you as my mother. Looking like you is one step closer to being as amazing of a person as you are; my goal in life is to be just like you. If one day, I’m even half the woman that you are, I’ll know that I’m on the right track.

I love you, Mom. Thank you for everything, and I owe you.