You became my Mom on April 15th, 1981 when I arrived in the United States. Maybe even more true, you became my Mom when you and Dad first found out I would be your daughter. Still such a crazy thing to think about, that I could have gone to any number of couples who were eager to be parents and adopt from South Korea. Of course now, I have to believe the words you've always said to me -- it was fate that I ended up as your daughter; absolutely meant to be. You are the most amazing woman, who will forever teach me to trust my gut, be who I want to be, and follow my dreams no matter what anyone says, ever. You remind me to relax, laugh, have fun, live in the moment, and to never forget my inner child. I know you are proud to never lose your Long Island, New York accent and have taught me that "coffee" is best pronounced as "coouwwwffee." Thanks for teaching me to be fiercely independent, for loving me passionately and unconditionally. You are strong, tough as nails, funny as hell, and I love that I really never know what you're going to say. The memories and stories I have of us are full of laughter; usually inappropriate behavior or words have summoned such laughter -- college visits for undergrad, looking like the half-Asian version of Thelma and Louise in wine country in that convertible, showing off your cheerleading skills to the dog. I love it all. I can't wait for even more laughs on our many adventures yet to come. Next up: fly fishing. Hilarious, I'm laughing already.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I love you!