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

SONOMA, CA – Sonoma mama Jen Crowe penned a message to her beloved daughter, Alexandria "Alex" Quackenbush, and Patch is happy to share!

"Dear Alex, my most amazing, full-hearted, loving and special daughter:

"Alex, Despite all the odds, despite my shortcomings and lack of knowledge being so young while you were growing up, despite my raising you as a single mama and working the hours I worked not affording me the ability to be there for you as much as I wanted to, and despite everything ... you have become the most outstanding young woman.

"You are so full of life, you are so full of laughter. You are funny, you are compassionate, you have empathy, you understand that life is precious and you live it to the fullest every day. I'm not going to lie and say that there weren't times throughout your high school 'stage' that I didn't search through every single box, in every single closet, trying to find the freaking return policy, because I could not believe that you were my child, as you were dealing with your own transformations...

"We had some rough times, as is natural in so many families and relationships with teenage daughters or sons, but when you turned 18 despite your hardships through high school, despite all the layers underneath that brought you suffering or pain, despite it all... at 18, your switch flipped. Before my eyes, you completely embraced your uniqueness and your own specialness. You fully owned yourself as you are. I see so much self respect that you have given yourself. I can see that you have the most genuine heart, you are fully transparent, you are goofy and you are smart as a whip. So adaptable, and so quick to learn new skills.

"The compliments I hear from the people around you, you work outside the box, you go above and beyond, you have incredible work ethic and dedication in all that you do. You find solutions when others would give up, no matter how hard, no matter how many challenges ... you retain your cool in situations that even the most experienced people would unravel. You make an impression, and influence lives around you, whether you realize it or not, with your smile, your actions, your habits, your follow though...

"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.

"You are a thought-changer, and you lead by example and you encourage people to follow in your footsteps without even realizing you are doing it. You continually demonstrate authenticity, with a heart of gold. You are genuine in every way.

"There is no way that I could possibly love, support, or believe in you more than I do. I love you baby girl.
So grateful to celebrate Mother's Day with you by my side.

"Love, Your Mom. xoxoxo (and yes, I love you more because my heart is bigger.)"

Whether it's through their personalities, their looks or a combination of both, daughters become a reflection of the women who raised them. With Mother's Day 2018 right around the corner, we are celebrating that special bond by inviting Patch readers across California to share their "mother-daughter lookalike" photos.

Share your mother-daughter lookalike photos by sending them to autumn.johnson@patch.com. Submit your email with a nice message for your loved one and be sure to include names, the city/location of the photo and the date.

ALSO SEE:

• Dining Deals For Mother's Day 2018

• Mother's Day Deals & Discounts On Flowers, Chocolates & More

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-Image via Jen Crowe