1. Thank you for tolerating my bratty, selfish, and immature behavior.
I know, I was a “premature teen” by the age of 8. That was probably very annoying, and I’m surprised you never sent me to live with another family member because of it. I needed to learn how the world worked before I could accurately respond to situations and make positive decisions.
2. Thank you for never pressuring me to be something that I was not.
I tried sports and was not a fan of the contact, and you told me that was OK. “Not all kids had to play sports” you told me. When I tried gymnastics and was too scared to do the bars you told me that was OK. “I didn’t want you to do gymnastics anyway; it’s too dangerous,” is what you said. I tried the rifle team and loved it, but felt I needed to explore other options. “That’s OK, just anything but cheerleading. Please.” You let me try cheerleading, and after we won the county championship and I decided that the only part I truly enjoyed was the dance aspect and you told me “I’m glad you didn’t get a concussion, and I’m glad you’re stopping before you do.” Then I tried poms and loved it. “I’m proud of you. I didn’t think you could do it,” were the words of encouragement I heard from you. Thank you for not questioning my decisions and not forcing me to stick with something I was not passionate about.
3. Thank you for always making time for us to see our grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and the entirety of our extended family.
I am so fortunate to be able to see so many of my relatives so often. I forget sometimes that family is one of the most important things in life and being able to see nearly every relative within 50 miles more than every other year is a great way to connect back to my roots.
4. Thank you for correcting my poor manners as a child.
Now that i’m in college I have come in contact with all kinds of new people. I’ve noticed what an affect my upbringing has had on my mannerisms and social skills and, seriously, I cannot thank you enough. There are some people in this world who have no concern for others and are rude to their peers, complete strangers, and even professors. Some students have no respect for their educators, and I am thankful to have had respect taught to me at a young age.
5. Thank you for making me do chores.
I know how to take care of myself on my own without even thinking about how to accomplish the tasks. I can fold, clean, wash, dry, scrub, vacuum, dust, and organize with the efficiency and ease that allows me to continue my day shortly afterwards.
6. Thank you for making me save my money.
Being a college student, money is tight. Very tight. I know the value of a dollar because as a child if it was not a special occasion or necessity, you pay for it yourself. I can dictate what I need vs. what I want, and that has saved me from loads of poor financial choices.
7. Thank you for laughing at my jokes (most of the time).
I know I’m not funny. I know the only humorous things I do are on accident. But being able to look back on my childhood and remember laughing with my family is a great memory to have.
8. Thank you for understanding my mental health, and being there for me when I needed you.
My mental health is not the best. It fluctuates much too often, and having that support system when needed was a big part of learning how to live with mental illness. Some friends of mine do not have parents who understand mental illness, or dismiss it as an attempt for attention, so your understanding is very appreciated.
9. Thank you for coming to every game, performance, and competition.
Yes, there were a lot of them. Yes, most of them had entrance fees. No, not all of them were riveting and exciting to watch. Yes, seeing you in the audience was the best feeling in the world.
10. And picking me up from every practice, rehearsal, meeting, and tryout.
They were constant, and until I got my license, I don’t know how you stayed sane.
11. Lastly, thank you for helping me become the person I am today.
I like who I am, and you both are large parts of me. I love the humor, musicality, and playfulness I get from Dad, and the confidence, strength, and stubbornness I get from Mom. Both of you are such unique and incredible individuals, and I hope that I can some day be as great as you.
