Mom,
Thanks for all you did/do for us.
The odds were stacked against you from the very beginning, but you were there. When others would have justifiably walked away, you stayed. You helped teach us right from wrong. You praised us for doing good, and punished us for screwing up. (Funny, I remember more praise than punishment.) When we skinned our knees, or had a broken heart, you were there to make it all better. You always had a smile, or an encouraging word for us, no matter what. You cried when we left home, and sometimes cried when we came back, but you were ALWAYS there. I know if I need someone to talk to, you are just a phone call away.
Mom, Thank you, I love you.