Dear mom,

Thank you for all you do for me and the siblings. You've taught me so much and I am grateful for the example you've been for me. I don't think I realized how much I looked up to you until I moved away, which only makes me miss you more. You know I hate being mushy so I'm just going to make a list of my favourite memories I have with you.

• Thanks for always making sure we spent lots of time outside whether you were kicking us out to play at the park or you were taking us on an outing to explore the outdoors. Whenever we went to a park and there was a plaque to read, you always read it to us so that we could learn something about the area we were in. 
• Remember when we used to sleep in the living room on Sunday nights and watch Star Wars? The goal was to watch them all, but us kids always fell asleep before the first one was over. You probably did too, but no one can prove it. 
• Thank you for making us macaroni with mushroom soup and tuna. Best. Thing. Ever. 
• Even though I was in swimming lessons, I don't think I would have learned half the stuff I did without you. I remember when you taught me how to dive and I was so proud when I finally got it. You also taught me how to kick both legs at a time like a mermaid when I swim. That was pretty much my favourite thing.
• I miss going horseback riding with you. I love all the memories we have of the rides we went on with Carla's horses. Remember the time when Tuffy bolted and I fell off?? And then you made me get right back on? I think I earned my Real Horseman status that day. 
• Thanks for trusting me. In high school when I asked if I could do something or go somewhere with my friends you always said yes. I figured out this wasn't normal when I saw how strict some of my friends' parents could be. Because of that trust, I never did anything to break it. 

As I've gotten older and moved out of the house (and back in and then back out again), I've enjoyed spending time with you more and more. I didn't realize how much I've grown to be like you until I came to GP for the first time. There were so many moments when something would come out of my mouth and I would say, "woah, that's my mother speaking". But it's okay that I've turned out like you, because you are a level headed, practical woman who is always willing to help someone in need. Thanks for being a great example for me. I hope that when my turn comes that I can be as good a mother as you have been.