I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today without my mother. I know she would do anything for me. When I was little she would do things like tuck me in at night and read me stories and as I grew up, she taught me lessons that I will never forget. Whenever I got into trouble she would take me aside and direct me to go a different path. Whenever I did something right she would smile at me the way she always does and it would make my day. The most important things I learned from her though, were probably by example. She is a compassionate, dedicated, and God fearing woman. I can't tell you how many times someone would come to our door and my mom would provide food for those with new children, sick or injured, or going through a difficult family situation. She was an especially strong pillar for a family in our neighborhood whose daughter had committed suicide. It was often not easy to do and would oftentimes be a heavy burden, but no matter what people were going through she would always help in any way that she could. Seeing these unselfish acts of charity has definitely had a lasting impact on me. Another thing that I learned from her is hard work and work ethic. She started volunteering for our local elementary school's PTA program when I was in elementary school and about 10 years ago she became an aid for a Kindergarten teacher. She loved it so much that a few years ago she became a preschool teacher at that same elementary school. At this point she didn't have a degree or a teaching license so she was restricted to only being able to teach preschool. Three years ago she decided to take the next step and get her degree so she could do what she had wanted to do for her whole life. With work, school, church responsibilities, and taking care of her family, there were often nights where she would come home completely exhausted. However, she was still able to finish her four year degree in two years. I hope I can have even half of her drive and enthusiasm for the things she cares about. It is truly amazing to see what she can accomplish even when all the odds are stacked against her. My mother is an amazing woman that I know I would never have made it this far without her. I've talked about a few of the things that have impressed me about her, but there are so many other ways she amazes me that I can't even describe them all. I love her and I know that she loves me. I am so grateful for my brilliant, beautiful, talented, Christ-like, hardworking, loving, compassionate angel of a mother. Thank you.