Dear Mom: A Letter Of Gratitude To All Mothers This Mother’s Day

One day out of the year, we have this beautiful opportunity to give back the people who have given us so much: our moms.

We love them (at times, maybe not so much) and as we get older, sometimes, we become them. Whether she carried you inside of her for nine months or is a non-blood related woman who has loved you like her own, most people can identify a person who they can be thankful for on this holiday.

So, Mom, this one is for you:

Thank You For Your Unconditional Love And Friendship

You are my best friend and you always have been. I’ve seen your love when you attended my sporting events, posted on Facebook about how proud you are of me and when you comforted me at times that life became a little too tough to handle. Not to mention, you have shown me how to love others and how to love them well.

Thank You For Showing Me Grace When I Didn’t Deserve It

Perhaps it is easier for me to take my frustrations out on you than anyone else in this world because you love me limitlessly and unconditionally. There were times when I was a total brat to you; I was rude, selfish and unkind. Still, you loved me anyway, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Thank You For Comforting Me Through Heartbreaks

Thanks for letting me cry on your bed when boys did not treat me well. You always said the right things and made me laugh with stories about the boys you dated in high school and college. Thanks for always taking my side when it came to relationships and threatening any guy who posed a threat to my heart.

Thank You For Giving Me Everything

You never told me no and I appreciate that generosity. I know kids can be expensive and demanding.

From supporting me emotionally through my awkward middle school days, to sacrificing your personal time after your long days at work to talk me through my problems when no one else cared, to supporting me financially through college, you have always been there.

You have sacrificed so much in order to give me a better life than you had when you were a kid.

Thank You For Always Believing In Me

Life has been difficult and there have been times when I’ve felt like giving up, when things were not going my way. Each time, you were there to remind me of my worth as a human being.

You encouraged me to keep reaching for the unreachable and never settle for anything less than I deserved. No matter how bizarre my dreams were — from becoming president or a meteorologist or a professional dog walker or a food truck operator — you always told me to go after what would make me happy.

As I get older, I realize more and more how much you have done for me and continue to do every day.

This Mother’s Day, thank whomever you call "Mom" for being the best on the planet at her job. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.

Photo via We Heart It