Dear Mother,

There are many ways that I could try to tell you how much that I love you.

Truth be told, I do not believe that there are enough words in this world to express the kind of love that I truly hold for you.

You have taught me everything that I know and everyday you continue to teach me more.

You have seen me at my worst, and I mean literal worst: tears, snot, and all.

You have also seen me at my best: bright-eyed and flushed cheeks. You have seen me struggle, agitated, and frustrated, but you continuously are there cheering me on and believing that I will do my best in anything that I choose to pursue.

Your honesty with me is incredible.

Whenever I get a typical bratty-teenager tone with you, you take a deep breath and tell me how it truly is.

You never beat around the bush, but tell me up front, trusting that whatever you are about to tell me I will be strong enough to handle, just like you have always taught me. For that, I am grateful.

You are the first person to point out my wrongdoings when I am too stubborn to admit them to myself. You have taught me from a young age that it is OK to make mistakes as long as I choose to learn from them and not repeat them.

You told me from a young age that I cannot be perfect and that some people will point that out because they themselves are envious.

You also told me to embrace every imperfection that I have and run with them. Although I might not be perfect to someone else, I will always be perfect to you.

You are such a strong-willed human being and I look up to you so much. You keep me going because you are constantly striving to do more for yourself and for my brothers and me.

Rarely have I seen anything knock you down, and I know that a lot does because you are human and it is normal to struggle through life.

But you embrace your struggles with arms wide open. Because you know that your constant struggles have gotten you where you are today.

Raising me as a single mother has taught me a lot growing up. It has taught me that you do not need to depend on anyone to be happy and that it is OK to put yourself first sometimes; to make someone else happy you have to make yourself happy first.

Nobody could ever destroy the love that I feel for you because you are my best friend. You have never stood against me, but always for me.

You give me motivation: motivation to become a better person and open myself up to new opportunities.

You taught me to not be scared of the world, but to be adventurous, to see new places, and to be open to meeting new people.

You have impacted me incredibly throughout my childhood and even more throughout my teenage years. Your constant support, patience, independence, strong will, and love have and will always keep me going.

Soon it will be my time to leave home — the home that you have created for me, the home that you have endlessly loved me in, the home that has seen endless laughs, fights, tears, and smiles. But because of you, I believe that I am ready to leave, ready to make you proud of me.

Sincerely,

Your grateful daughter