To the woman who has been there since day one,

I can’t even begin to express the amount of gratitude I have for you. You have literally been my savior through my years of existence. As I mature, I have come to realize the importance of having someone special like you to guide me through the good, the bad, and the ugly. I am forever grateful to have you right by my side, no matter what.

I really appreciate the times you’ve stayed up with me and cuddled with me when I was sick. I will forever act like a baby and need you, even if I only have a cold. Something about your sweet embrace reassures me that I’ll be fine again. And just like that, I feel a thousand times better.

Thank you for being so selfless. I know I’m not the easiest person to please, but I’ve come to realize that you somehow always find a way to make me happy. You always dropped what you were doing right away to come to my rescue, whether it was a ride to school or picking me up from the school nurse. I sincerely apologize for all those times I acted ungrateful and spoiled. I know now that you were doing your best, and that’s all that matters to me now.
Thank you for being my number one support system and being patient with me. You’re always my biggest fan. Whether it was music recitals, career days or inter-house competitions, you were there, no matter what. You didn’t miss one. Now that’s what I call dedication.

You’ve taught me how to love the world like no other. To see the deeper meaning of things…that there’s always more than meets the eye. Those are special gifts that I forever treasure.

I have never met someone as strong as you. I don’t know how you do it. You’ve taught me to be tough, and that every day is a new day. I try to do what I can, but at the end of the day, you are my superhero.

I haven’t forgotten about all those times you told me that it’s important to work hard for what I want. All of the times you encouraged me to go after what I want with all I have. About how important it is to never give up on my dreams. Thank you for inspiring my always running, bright imagination.
Thank you for an amazing sense of style. I am so lucky to have a mother that still dresses with what’s currently in. For staying in countless boutiques with me for more than three hours until I’ve found the perfect dress. I’ve always enjoyed our days of endless clothes shopping together (No, I don’t like food shopping). I don’t know anyone else who would do that for me.

Thanks for raising me to be level-headed and caring, and for teaching me that manners are important. That putting my best foot forward each and everyday is the key to a happy, positive life. First impressions are very important!
I can’t explain how sorry I am for all the times I’ve acted out. Whether it be because I was acting like a brat for no reason or taking my anger out on you, thank you for realizing that it will eventually pass. That I don’t actually mean what I say. That I’ve just been having a really bad day, or was upset about something stupid. Thank you for always loving me unconditionally. Who else would do that?

Thank you for being the coolest mom ever. There’s no one else I would rather spend every second of the day with. I can’t wait to cuddle with a bunch of a junk food and binge watch tv channels when the Zs arrive. 

There are a million other things I learned from you throughout my childhood. I hope you know though, the greatest lessons you taught me were in: love, selflessness, courage and strength. When you love someone unconditionally and without compare, their needs often come before yours. For all of the sleep you lost, the tears you cried and moments when you didn’t feel you were enough, I am sorry! Thank you for having the courage to take care of the ‘Special Needs’ that came with me- sometimes without the support of your partner to share your burdens and fears with. Lastly, thank you for showing me what true strength is. It’s not perfection. It isn’t always having it together. It isn’t having it easy. Strength, true strength, is crying, picking your head up and suiting up for the fights of our lives with a smile that reassured me through it all. 

I owe you more than I could ever give you. I love you, forever and always. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Love,

Your Baby Girl