Dear Mom,

HAPPY birthday! I wish you a year of happiness and excitement. Of adventure. Of opportunities to see your children and grandchildren. And times spent with Dad. I know that there has been a lot going on with family all being apart and now your only daughter being married, but I just want you to know that I love you so much and I appreciate the woman you are.

Everyone always says they have the best mom, and they are probably right. But I know one thing, I have the best mom for me. You really are the perfect woman to raise me. And I know you always worry I wont like it when people tell me I look just like you or I am just like you... but I love it. I can't wait to be half the woman you are. Because you are truly amazing. And you have more strength than you realize.

Thank you for being an example of hard work and of charity. Thank you for always teaching me to put my best foot forward. Thank you for teaching me the importance of listening to the spirit and of the gospel. Thank you for (as Linda would say) being so stylish. Thank you for working so hard to make sure your kids were always happy and enjoying life. Thank you for teaching me to speak my mind. Thank you for telling me to stand up for myself. Thank you for always being on my side. Thank you for marrying Dad and for showing me what true love it. Thank you for being my best friend and the woman I will always look to for everything.