A letter to my mom

Happy Birthday to the person who singlehandedly taught me to be the most selfless person.

You continue to inspire me to be better myself and others. You taught me that in a world full of heartache and miss judgment you're the one I can count on.

You showed me how to love and the meaning of caring for someone more than you care for yourself. Thank you for showing me right from wrong, for encouraging me to follow my dreams, and teaching me the value of respect not only for others but for myself as well.

I just want to let you know how much I love you. I know I'm not around as often and life gets busy, but you're the most important woman in my life… and you always will be.

Thank you for always picking up my phone calls with the same excitement… whether it's the first call or the fifth call of the day I can always count on good company.

As I get older, my appreciation and admiration towards you will continue to grow tremendously. Each and every single day, I realize how much of an impact and inspiration you have been (and always will be) in my life.

Looking back, I feel there were times that I should have said "thank you" more and rolled my eyes less.

So Happy Birthday to my number-one cheerleader, for sports, for academics, and for everything in between.

Happy Birthday to the mom who knows me for exactly who I am, and accepts me for my sassy self.

Happy Birthday to the mom who provided me with a great brother, another automatic best friend. Happy Birthday to the mom who drove me places that you didn't even want me to go, to my extracurricular activities multiple times a week, friends houses, and who eventually taught me how to drive myself to those places.

Happy Birthday to the mom who took on her career late just so she could take care of her children that she loves dearly. Happy Birthday to the mom who allowed me to join every club/team no matter how much time it took, or how bad I was at it (even the free throw team...when I didn't even know how to play basketball... you still brought me to my tournament at 6 AM Just to watch me miss every shot) and you still were my number one fan.

Happy birthday to the mom who keeps all my secrets and doesn't judge me for making questionable decisions (like calling you drunk at 2 am just to tell you I miss you)

Happy Birthday to the mom who was beautiful in her youth, and continues to be beautiful with age. I love you so much and I hope your day is as amazing as you are.

I love you.