MOMtage Of CA Mothers & Daughters Will Melt Your Heart

CALIFORNIA – The mother-daughter bond is universal and undeniable -- yet as unique as the individuals.

And in many families, the bond is unmistakable, and we have the photos of Mamas and their lookalike Mini-Mes to prove it! But to be sure, mothers and daughters don't need to be Doppelgangers to feel the connection forged by love.

For this Mother's Day, we amassed a collection of photographs and tributes from moms and their offspring, who surf together, work together, travel, enjoy sports and adventures together. They describe themselves as best friends, inseparable, "two peas in a pod" and blessed to be in each other's lives.

We also heard from some whose mothers have passed, but their love lives on.

Scroll through these amazing photos and touching messages from readers -- mothers, daughters and even some proud papas -- from throughout California, and Happy Mother's Day, from Patch!

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Surfing Brings Mom & Daughter Together In Mission Viejo

"Madelyn, I'm so grateful to have a daughter like you who is so kind, loyal, & an awesome surfing buddy! You are pure sunshine."

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Travel Buddies Adriane and Alora

"My daughter is funny, creative and has a heart of gold. Plus, she's my travel buddy. When we travel, people think we are sisters not mother and daughter."

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Mirror Images At 18

Tina's daughter Mikayla, at age 18, is holding a framed photo of her mama taken when she was 18. Twins? Yes!

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'We Are Like 2 Peas In A Pod'

"We think, act and sometimes dress alike. ‍Desiree is the eldest of my 4 kids. She's strong, funny and an awesome wife and mother to my 2 granddaughters Kacey, age 5 and Camryn, age 9."

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'Inseparable' Mom & Daughter Are Best Friends

Scarlett says her mom Rachel is her best friend. "Coolest rock mom you can find. Always devoted to my autistic brother Jack."

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'I Could Not Ask For A Better Mini-Me' - Love, Mom

In this photo, Novato-based event producer, Sue, and her daughter, were at a Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area function in Redwood City. "My daughter has become my number one apprentice!" Sue wrote. "Her wonderful smile, great people skills, and dedication to the guest experience are outstanding - I could not ask for a better mini-me!"

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To The Moon & Back: Mother's Love

"For my mini-me ... Mom loves you to the moon and back!"

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Mother's Day Love: 'Thank You For Being My Mom & Best Friend'

"Thank you for being my mom and my best friend! Thank you for loving me for who I am and always pushing me to be the best version of myself. I am a better mom because you are mine. I can never say 'thank you' or 'I love you' enough. Happy Mother's Day."

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A Special Mother-Daughter Reunion

"I was born in San Jose Hospital and adopted by an amazing family and grew up in Los Gatos. I found my birthmother, Terry ( pictured) on Mother's Day 2015!!! Can't believe how alike we are!!! We are so enjoying having each other!"

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Like Mother, Like Daughter: Mom's Day Photo

"In my 20s and 30s people started commenting that my mom and I looked like sisters. I wasn't exactly fond of that, because I thought it meant I looked OLD! Now, in my 40s, I realize what a compliment it is when people say how much we look alike! My mother is a treasure!!!"

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'I Celebrate My Beautiful Daughter'

"On Mother's Day, I celebrate my beautiful 12-year-old daughter. She has brought me life's great gift of motherhood."

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Like Mom, Like Daughter

Andrea and her daughter, Janessa. The mother-daughter lookalikes were at Andrea's great-grandmother's 86th birthday party when the photo was taken.

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Homecoming Celebration In Los Alamitos This Mother's Day

"I wanted to thank my girls, and give them a 'shout out' for keeping me young! It's been the greatest blessing to be their mom."

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Mama Bear & Baby Bear: Lake Elsinore

"Happy Mother's Day to the best momma bear ever! I love you bunches!"

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Mom's Touching Tribute To Her 'Ray Of Sunshine' Daughter

"What you bring with you everyday is like a ray of sunshine. I could not be more proud of you, I can not be more excited to see where life takes you with this beautiful foundation you have built for yourself, even at the age of 20! You are absolutely incredible, you are absolutely a gift ... not just to me, but to everyone you meet. So grateful to celebrate Mother's Day with you by my side. Love, Your Mom. xoxoxo"

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Four Generations: Mother's Day Photos

"At least we all know what we will look like as we get older! The genetics are strong!"

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Love From Mom To Daughter: 'You Made My Life Complete'

"You made my life complete when I was blessed with you. I love you bigger then the whole wide world!"

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A Reflection Of Her Mother

""I am 53 years old in the picture taken of me on the left-hand side. The picture taken on the right-hand side is my mother taken in 1968 where she was 29 years old. Our family and friends constantly are taken back by how much we look-alike." Though her mother passed away in 2013, Donna wrote, "I miss her every day but at least I can look in the mirror and see my mother. I feel very blessed."

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Mother And Daughter Dodgers Twins

This photo of mother-daughter lookalikes was sent to us by David of Los Angeles and taken at Dodger Stadium of absolute clones, Debbie and daughter Alyssa. "To my beautiful wife, Debbie, Happy Mother's Day," he wrote.

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When Your Mom Is Your Best Friend

"Mom, you are my world. You have given so much to me and our family and never expected anything in return. You are my best friend and I love you immensely."

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Special Grandmother, Granddaughter Bond

"This is my beautiful granddaughter Samantha that I've raised since she was born. This picture was taken at the San Leandro Marina where we love to walk. We have such a strong bond and we are best friends. We love going to festivals, concerts, walks, and most of all the movies. I'm sure many grandparents these days are raising their grandchildren and sometimes it's hard but I wouldn't trade it for the world. She is the reason I get up everyday and she is the sunshine in my life."

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Danville Darlings In Concert

Ashley and her mom, Sue, at a Luke Bryan concert in October. "Happy Mother's Day mom! Love you more than you'll ever know!"

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Mother And Daughter Los Angeles Explorers

"Thank you for being an adventurous & curious daughter, Alex," Jen writes. "Mother's Day is special to me because we always share the day exploring together."

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'My Mom Is Beautiful Inside And Out'

"My Mom is beautiful inside and out. She was a public school teacher and administrator for over 30 years in Cupertino, CA and is now 'retired.' She is currently a mentor for college students becoming teachers at Santa Clara University. She is the best Mom and role model around and I am so lucky that she is my Mom. We are also very lucky she is helping the next teachers shape our future."

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Lookalike Smiles: Mother's Day

It doesn't matter how old the kids are, they'll always be your babies! And part of the fun of motherhood is watching your children grow up and enjoy the same things that you love.

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'She Was A Strong Woman': Mother's Day Photo

"She is missed dearly. I only hope that I can be as strong of a woman as she was."

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'We Are Best Friends'

"This is my mom and I, we are 30 years apart, and she's like best friend! This photo was taken in South Lake Tahoe at the annual MS Walk we do together to support my recent diagnosis with MS in 2014."

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Mother-Daughter Dub Nation Members

Part of the fun of motherhood is watching your children grow up and enjoy the same things that you love.
"This my darling eldest child who made me a mama!"

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'Thank You For Showing Me How To Be Loving'

"To my mama on Mother's Day! I love you! Thank you for showing me what a loving mom does so that I can do the same for my little one now!"

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Mother And Daughter, Kindred Spirits

"While some of their features may not be a perfect match, in the traditional sense, I can assure you that these two beauties have the identical spirit and heart! They are also a carbon copy of each other's personality," dad and husband Ken writes. "You will not find a more deserving mother-daughter look-alike pair than my wife and daughter, Shelby (Mom) & Tensae (7-years old)."

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'Lucky To Be Her Mom': Mother's Day

"Everyone tells me Makenna is my mini me! She has many of my same mannerisms as well. My daughter has a heart of gold, I'm very lucky to be her mom!"

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Adorable Dublin Duo

"Blessed to get to spend this Mother's Day together at Avila Beach."

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Like Mother, Like Daughter: Proud Sierra Madre Mom

This photo of adorable mother-daughter look-a-likes was sent to us by mom Cara, who will be moving to Sierra Madre this month for her daughter, a student at the California School of the Arts in Duarte.

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Reaching For Independence: Mother's Day

"She is graduating from HS in June and heading to Irvine for college in the Fall. I'm going to miss her so much!"

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Scouts Honor, Mother Daughter Troop Memories

Mother Jennifer shared a photo she loves with her daughters taken in 2014 before a mother-daughter Girl Scout event, when they share not only the same shirt and hat, but the same smile.

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Mom & Daughter Share More Than DNA: Mother's Day Photo

This mother and daughter duo share DNA, but they also share first names!

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Seeing Double In Dublin: Mother's Day

"She is my youngest of 4 kids. But everyone says we are the ones who (are) like identical to each other."

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'Thank You For Always Being There'

"Happy Mother's Day to my mom! Thank you for always being there for me and for all that you still do! I love you!"

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Mother-Daughter Twins

"I love my Meggie. She is kind and always thinks about others first."

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Mom & Mini Me In Manhattan Beach

"I had children in my 20s, 30s and 40s. So glad I didn't stop before my youngest here came into this world."

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Dublin 'Twins': Mother's Day

"Everyone says we are 'twins' and my 11-year-old complains about that, but I think she secretly likes it. Here we are enjoying her younger brother's baseball game."

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'Happy To Be Daughter Of Hard-Working Mom'

"I just want to say that I'm happy to be the daughter of a hard-working woman and wouldn't want it any other way. Thank you for everything, mom."

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Mother-Daughter Twins In Sacramento

In this image are Orangevale residents Sarah and Stephanie. Sarah said her daughter, Stephanie, is her mini-me. We agree!

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'She's An Amazing Daughter And Mother'

"She is the most amazing daughter and mother I could ever ask for and I love her so very much! Now she lives in Georgia, and I miss her so much."

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'Her Heart Is 10 Times The Size Of Mine!'

"She looks exactly like me on the outside, but on the inside her heart is 10 times the size of mine, or anybody I know!"

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Pretty In Pink: Mother's Day

Dublin resident Kristiena Roman sent us this adorable photo with daughter Alessa while they were dining at Black Bear Diner in Pleasanton. "Happy Mother's Day to all the lovely and hard working mamas out there!"

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"I Call Her My Twin"

"My mom and I are ALWAYS mistaken for sisters! I call her my twin!"

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'Blessed To Be Her Mom'

"I'm so very blessed to be your mother!"

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'I Will Forever Look Up To You'

"I may have got my height from Dad but I will forever look up to you. Thank you for teaching me to be an independent, strong, and adventurous woman. I am so blessed to not only call you my Mom, but also one of my best friends for these past 26 years. Happy Mother's Day!"

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"You Make Me Proud Every Day"

"Hannah - you are the most beautiful, kind, sweet, and smart daughter a mother could ask for. You make me proud every day, and I'm honored to be your mother. Love you to pieces, my boo."

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Like Mother, Like Daughter: Novato Mother's Day

"Love this wonderful woman, who made me a mom."

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Treasuring Time With Mom

"My mom suffers with dementia, and I treasure every day I spend with her. She's the best mom ever."

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Sebastopol Mom, Daughter 'Look So Alike!'

"People tell us all the time that we look so alike!" Thanks so much for sharing, Kelsey — we totally agree!

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'I Love Them Both Dearly!': Davis Mother's Day

Photo submitted by Abel shows his wife, Kathy, and their daughter, Brooke, last week in San Antonio, Texas. The Davis residents were taking part in the city's annual fiesta. "They are both strong and loving women and mothers, and I love them both dearly!" writes Abel. "They both epitomize caring and loving mothers; qualities that every great mom share!"

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A Mother And Her Mini-Me

Lora and her daughter, Haley in July 2017 in Santa Rosa. "Here is a picture of me and mini-me!" writes Lora.

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Like Mother, Like Daughter

Davis resident Colleen and her "twin" daughter, Ashley.

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2 Amazing Moms

Photo submitted by Joseph shows his wife, Colleen, and daughter Emily of Concord, taken during Emily's birthday trip to Disneyland in October 2017. "Happy Mother's Day to two amazing moms! Thank you for all you do for all of us!" writes Joseph.

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Dublin Mom, Daughter Love Oakland A's

"We are huge A's fans, and my husband Mario and I have been taking her to Oakland Athletic games since her birth! I think she knows every player on the team!"

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'I Want To Be Like Her'

"My mother: She is beautiful, softened at the edges and tempered with a spine of steel. I want to grow old and be like her."

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Like Mother, Like Daughter

This duo share more than just their looks. "We are both blonde, athletic, sarcastic and awesome," Sandra said.

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'Truly An Inspiration'

"Katie is one of the strongest women I know. She has been through a lot, especially since her heart transplant in 2010, yet her faith in God remains strong. She is truly an inspiration, to me and to so many others."

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'My Mama, My Hero And My Very Best Friend'

"People always said my mom & I were abnormally close. ... She was a warrior; she passed away in March 2011 after losing her 4th battle with cancer over a 10-year period. She's my mama, my hero and my very best friend."

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'My Little Mini Me'

"I am such a lucky mom. I thank God he blessed me with my little mini-me."

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'Proud To Be Her Mom'

Ramona resident Karyn sent us this sweet photo of her and her 20-year-old daughter, Cara. The mother of seven said all of her children are her "world." "Cara's strength and dedication is what makes me proud to be her mom," she said.

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Like Mother, Like Daughter: Lemon Grove Mother's Day

Lemon Grove Patch reader Ashley sent us this sweet photo of her and her mother, Sherry.

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'I Am Beyond Blessed To Have Her'

Sarah and her mother, Diane of Napa in October 2017 at Universal Studios. "My mother Diane is my best friend," writes Sarah "I cannot imagine a life without her. She has been my support for everything, and I am beyond blessed to have her."

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Like Mother Like Daughter In Aliso Viejo

In Aliso Viejo, mother Stacey (l.) and her daughter Julianna (r.), took this photo to show just how alike they looked. In the picture, Stacey was 14, Julianna's age was 14 when this picture was taken.

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Mini-Me Smiles Just Like Mom

Catherine of Hayward with her mini-me Emma, 3. They snapped the photo last Saturday at the San Lorenzo Little League field.

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Seeing Double: Mother's Day

Lisa with her mother, Shirley. Lisa tells Patch, "She's 80 years young and everything I aspire to be. This was taken last October in Hawaii."

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'My Mom Is My Best Friend'

"My mom is my best friend and is there for me no matter what. As I have become an adult, I have started to really cherish our relationship. I am one lucky girl to have a mom like her. She's there for me when she needs to be a mom, but is also my friend for the fun and crazy times in life."

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'She Always Encourages Me'

"My mother, she is so worldly. She always encourages me to follow whatever path in life that makes me happy! Happy Mothers Day, Besos Ariana"

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Mom & Daughter Power In Costa Mesa

"It was our first mom and daughter attempt at a 5k at the inflatable run in Costa Mesa, CA - April 2018. Momma (Anne) and Rae did a total of 5 miles."

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Mom & Daughter Share Aloha Spirit In Trabuco Canyon

"They are both very kind people and care for others," their dad and husband said. "They both love the beach and their favorite place in the world is the beach at Kaanapali in Maui. To my beautiful wife Debbie, Happy Mother's Day. Love, David."

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Mother-Daughter Twins In San Francisco

"My reason for being the best version of myself is my beautiful daughter, Maya."

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Rohnert Park Mom And Her Teacher Daughter

"Spending time in her class watching her teach made me very aware of how similar we are and how I was as a parent. There was no fooling around when there was work to do!"

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Like Mother, Like Daughter: Davis Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to Mary Ann and her 12-year-old daughter, Mackenzie.

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Crazy, Fun Mom And Daughter

"You make me a better person everyday, my mini me."

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Newark Lookalikes: Mother's Day

Lovely photos of a mother and daughter duo from Newark.

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'I Am So Proud Of Her': Livermore Mother's Day

"She is definitely my mini me. Sass, frass, athletic and everything in between. I'm so proud of her."

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Birthday Buddies

"The bond my daughter and I have is so special! We share the same birthday—-and people often stop us to tell us how much we look like each other! I love having a mini-me and at least for now (since she is 5) she loves being my mini-me!"

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'Beautiful Inside And Out'

"A beautiful daughter inside and out, as well as my best friend."

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Like Mother, Like Daughter: San Anselmo Mother's Day

"And as I prepare for her to leave for college in August, I look forward to learning from her and to our relationship evolving into an adult relationship. But she will always be my baby girl."

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Proud To Be Her Mom

"She is just finishing up her sophomore year at San Marin and is an incredible role model for her two younger sisters."

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Mother-Daughter Besties

"I am very proud of the amazing woman, daughter, sister, auntie, friend and wife that she is."

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Mother-Daughter Duo Foster Love

"She makes me proud to be her mom. She has a deep love of her wife and every baby that comes into their home."

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Rich In Love, Thanks To Mom

Whitney said if she had a penny every time someone told her she looked just like her mom, she'd be rich. "But then again I've realized that I'm rich in love, confidence and encouragement because of the woman she raised me to be."

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To The Moon & Back: Mother's Love From Novato

Novato dad Edison sent this sweet photo of his wife, Lisa, and their 6-year-old daughter, Sloane on Sloane's first day of kindergarten. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine," Lisa said. "Love you, Sloane, to the moon and back."

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An Amazing San Francisco Mom

"I am so thankful for everything you do and for the loving care you give my children everyday. I love you!!" Kristen wrote to her mother.

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'You Will Always Be My Girl'

"My sweet Anabelle, thank you for giving me the best gift I have ever received, being a mommy. You make everything better with your soft smile and gentle heart. You will always be my girl!"

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'She Made So Many Sacrifices'

"I am so thankful and blessed to have my mom. She made so many sacrifices to allow me the opportunity to live in a beautiful town, provide me an amazing education and gave me everything I needed and more as I was growing up. She is my hero, the woman I look up to and aspire to be, and my very best friend."

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Happy To Get Time Together: Danville Mother's Day

Lani Wilson sent us this adorable photo of her with her mom, Larissa VanAnrooy, during a visit to Piatti's in Danville. "My mom lives in Canada, so I don't see her that often!"

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Beautiful Smiles: Mother's Day

Andrea sent this sweet photo to Newark Patch. Happy Mother's Day!

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'She Is My World'

Concord resident Kelly sent these photos of her mother Karen, who lives in Alameda. Kelly tells Patch, "Family is everything to me! I am grateful to my mother for raising us 'girls' as a single parent and not to mention was widowed twice. She is my world."

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Mom, Daughter Love To Help Others

"This is a picture of my daughter and I when we were down in Mexico building a house for a family in need. Becky had volunteered with our church the last 3 years and I was happy to be joining her last summer Becky has a heart for helping others - and for adventure! I was happy to share this experience with her!"

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'She Always Lights Up The Room!'

"Although I have four daughters I love dearly, Kendall is the most like me!" writes Julie. "She always lights up the room with her beautiful smile!"

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Rohnert Park Mom-Daughter Twins

Rohnert Park mom Debby Clay and her lookalike daughter, Haley Bradford. Debby says a friend encouraged her to send in a photo. Help us wish her a wonderful Mother's Day!

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My Daughter, My Best Friend

"She amazes me everyday with everything she does. She is outgoing, feisty, smart and one of the most caring people I know. Being her mom is such a joy. She is not only my daughter, but my best friend."

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A Sonoma Mom And Her Twin Daughter

Mom-daughter twins Merise of Sonoma, and daughter Stephanie of Napa. Thanks so much for sharing, Merise — we wish you a wonderful Mother's Day!

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'People Think She's My Little Sister!'

Petaluma mom Gretchen and her daughter, Madeline Paige. "People think she's my little sister!" writes Gretchen. This year for Mother's Day, they will also be celebrating Madeline's sweet 16.

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Cotati Mom-Daughter Twins

Cotati mom Catherine and her daughter, Adelina (Nina). Thanks so much for sharing, Catherine — A Happy Mother's Day to you!

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'Bright Future Ahead'

With her daughter leaving for college in the fall, Leslee is appreciating "every second" with Lindsey. "She is an incredible young lady with such a bright future ahead and I couldn't be more proud to be her mom."

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'To My Best Friend'

"Here is one from me to my daughter who is such a good person and who always has a big heart for others," Mom Blanca Gutierrez writes to Pacifica Patch.

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Smart And Sassy Like Mother

"Carissa attends SSU & SRJC and is both smart and sassy and takes everything head on just like I do. Neither one of us lets anything get in our way, if we want it badly enough. We both enjoy a love for photography and any and all animals," Tanya wrote.

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--Cover photo images via Cathy Fardanesh, Kassy Najm, Shari Grace, Adriane and Alora, Marisa Good, Christine Owens, Debbie Schier, Scarlett Hubbard, Stephanie, Karen Griego, Heather Scott, Jennifer McGraw, Lindsay Currao, Elsie Wolfe, Ruth Cunniffe, Sue Counselman, Sarah Bucini, Juliet Reece, Brandy Andreini, Ali Ravasdy, Char, Nina Kamatani, Claudia Andrade