to my mom

Mom, I love you. You've become the woman I hope I can be in the future. I know you're reading this and I hope you know I think of you everyday, and have since you've left NY. We've had our issues but I'm glad you're my mom, and wouldn't trade you for anything. Please don't worry so much about me though, this is my journey too, and you need to focus on you. I'm not 12 anymore, and I will have to go through my process with this, as you have. But don't try to protect me from things I need to feel. It's instinct, I know. But unfortunately there's nothing you can do or say to protect me from this. Any part of it. If you need me, I'm always here. If you need me to say something to you for reassurance, I'll say it. If you want to look to me as a friend, I'll be one. I have an unlimited amount of respect for you. My stubborn teenage self would not admit this, but hopefully by saying this you will realize how much I have grown up. I know this is hard on everybody, but I'm just as concerned about you as you are of me. Youre the most beautiful woman I've ever known, not in spite of your flaws, but because of them. I'm better because you're my mother. Thank you for bringing me into this world and giving me this chance to laugh, love, learn and live.