Dear Mom,

Thank you for not spoiling me. I cannot express how wonderful you are for not giving me everything I've ever asked for. Thank you for teaching me the value of modesty, perseverance, and self-worth. Thank you for greeting me as Sunshine, Beauty, Sweetheart, Beautiful and Wonderful Girl throughout my life. Every time I've learned a hard lesson through experience, I've realized that it was something you've talked to me about before and I just didn't listen. Mom, you've always done what was best for me, whether I realized it or not. Thank you for helping me when I didn't even want to help myself. Thank you for seeing the light in me that I once refused to acknowledge. I hear my friends talk about how much they get away with becase their parents "just don't care," and sometimes wish you were like that; but then I realize how grateful I am to you because you do care, and you also want me to experience life to the fullest. You see how unique I am and always tell me how much potential I have. Every day, you say good morning, no matter how late I sleep. And every night, you make sure to give me a hug and kiss before you go to bed. I am so deeply sorry for taking my frustrations out on you. I can't promise that it will stop, but I can promise that I will always love you and will never stop reminding you of that. Thank you for washing my clothes, dishes, driving me to school and home from rehearsal, preparing my meals and teaching me do it myself because you actually hate cooking. I will take every opportunity I can to say "I love you," because you do the same for me, and it always makes my day brighter. Thank you for providing the comfort of your arms and soothing sound of your voice whenever I need it. Words could never express how much I love seeing your smile, hearing your voice, and laughing with you. I appreciate everything you've done and continue to do for me. I love the conversations we have, whether they're heart-to-heart or about nothing in particular. I feel as if I can tell you anything because you've told me you'll always love me no matter what. I trust you with my life. Sometimes we get on each other's nerves because we're two totally different people, but that's okay. I love you, I care about you, I appreciate you, and I could never ask for a more wonderful, beautiful, strong, smart, caring woman to be my mother.

I love you to the moon and back.

-Caia