Momma

"Like mother, like daughter" so the saying goes. Well that's not 100% true for my mom and I. Our temperments and personalities are actually quite different. She's a little more extraverted and outgoing. Whereas, I tend to be laidback, mellow, and sometimes a bit shy. The older I get, though, the more often I find myself following in her footsteps and possessing similar qualities. I catch myself saying things she might say; Oprah and Dr. Phil are on my DVR list, too, and like her, I sometimes cry when I watch them; and our idea of cooking involves throwing a pizza in the oven. She can be stubborn at times, and she hates to ask for help. She believes that she can do anything a man can do and will lift things bigger and heavier than herself. And of course, I've become that way, too. I've moved myself in and out of apartments by myself, lifted and moved furniture and boxes around in my classroom, and attempted to put my bed together from scratch. We have the mindset that we have to do it ourselves in order for it to be done right, and if we have enough courage to ask you to do something, we wanted it done yesterday.

Even though we're states apart, I know I can call her at any time, for anything. All I have to say is, "Mom, I need..." and she'll help me out the best she can. I'm grateful for my mom and the wonderful qualities that she's instilled in me-independence, a strong will, and an undying love for my family. She's taught me to be a go-getter, that hard work pays off, and we live by the quote, "What doesn't kill me only makes me stronger."

Mom, thank you for being an inspiration and a lifelong friend. I love you!