Dear Mom,

I would like to start off by telling you how thankful I am for you.

I know I can be a pain sometimes or even a bit galling, but even then I still love you. With all I am involved with, I’m sure trying to keep up can be stressful. I also know my attitude isn’t always the best.

You are the most important woman in my life, and you always will be.

Having a mom like you is uncommon. Not many people can say their mom is their best friend. You are so understanding toward us and don’t expect us to be perfect with 100 percent grades.

You have taught me that it is OK to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them.

You had us at a young age, which meant there were a lot of sacrifices you made, like not being able to expand your education or even go out with your friends because you’d chosen to stay home and spend time with Kayla and me.

I know life can be hard with everything going on, and I know I don’t always do much to make it easier for you, but your sacrifices for all five of us children have meant more to us than you will ever know.

Going out of your way to make us happy means a lot. Thank you for the countless times you have surprised me with lunch or simple little treats like ice cream.

I remember the time when you acted like you were mad and yelled at us to get in the van. While we were all worried, you were really taking us out to get ice cream.

You are so strong, and you have the kindest heart. It takes courage to take in four more kids even when times can be hard as it is. Not everyone can say they’ve saved a life.

Even when times are rough, you still manage to keep a smile on your face and push through.

You taught us that you don’t need a lot of money to be happy or to have a good time.

You taught us to be thankful because there is always someone who has it worse.

I am blessed to be able to call you my mom.

A life without you is unimaginable, and I can’t see my life without you being a part of it. Whenever something is wrong, I always turn to you and look forward to your advice.

I could never thank you enough for showing all of us what unconditional love is.

Thank you for always coming to support me at all of my tennis matches, softball games, and football games — even when it’s freezing outside — and for the countless adventures you take me on, whether it’s a random picnic at For-Mar or a day at the beach.

You are the woman I strive to be one day.

Your heart is full of love not only to your family, but to people you don’t even know.

I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for you.

You have taught me to be myself and to be proud of who I am.

You have taught me to be kind to everyone — even if they’re not kind to me.

You are the most magnificent mother I could ever ask for.

You are caring, beautiful, smart, creative, kind, funny, and anything any daughter could ever want all wrapped up in a woman covered in flowers.

You’re great at painting, like when you paint rocks, then hide them for people to find. You write such encouraging things on them to make random people smile.

I want you to know that I love you and cherish you more than life itself.

I am beyond thankful for having you as my mom and for all you’ve done to make me who I am today.

I may not say it too often, but I love you more than words can say.