My parents are the most important people in my life. These are a few of the things they did for me and I want to thank them for it. Through the good times and the bad, they never gave up on me. I'd like to raise a toast to you, parents. Thank you for everything.
1. Raising me.
I know this task wasn't easy. Having a go with the flow boy as your first child and then having a loud, rebellious, stubborn, no filtered, overly dramatic and emotional girl as your second child was no doubt a challenge for you guys. But you rocked it and I'd like to say I turned out to be pretty rad. Also, you can't say that I didn't make your lives a little bit more fun for the past 19 years.
2. Always having my back.
There are two people in this entire world that were there for me every time I went through a hard time and picked me back up when I fell, my mom and dad. You both are there constantly to boost my confidence when I need it, I don't know how I would have survived high school without you. It was hell for me but neither of you let me feel too down. You did this while encouraging me to think positively in difficult situations.
3. Being my best friends.
You two are truly my best friends in the entire world. I tell you everything that's going on in my life. I honestly would 100% rather have a night in hanging out with my parents than going out to parties. That is how much I enjoy being with you.
4. Being hard on me when I needed it.
When I needed advice or to simply be put back into my place, you never hesitated to do so. I think that shows how much you guys love me. To me, being hard on me when needed means that you love me so much you don't want to see me fail. If a reality check for me was needed, then it was given. Looking back on it now I appreciate that.
5. Giving me a sibling.
Having a brother is secretly one of the best things in my life. Even though we fight sometimes, that's what siblings do. Yes, having someone who thinks that he's my third parent can get frustrating at times. But, I really do love him with all of my heart and couldn't imagine having grown up with anyone else by my side.
6. Putting me first.
Now that I am older, I am starting to see all of the behind scenes things that you have done for me. Always putting your kids before yourselves to make sure that we are provided the opportunity for the best life we could possibly have is something that hasn't gone unnoticed. Changing your plans so your kids could have theirs is something that is greatly appreciated. I really do wish there is someway I could pay you back for all of the times that you have sacrificed your time for me.
7. Being patient.
Like I've said before, I know that I wasn't the easiest kid to raise. I didn't realize it at the time, but I see it now and honestly don't know how you did it. Through all those times that I may have been being the way I was, you were always patient with me and tried to calmly guide me down the right path.
8. Providing for me.
During the past 19 years, you tried your hardest to make sure I had everything I could ever needed—even if it meant that you couldn't have something you needed for yourself. You both made countless sacrifices for the family. Thinking about it makes me love you both even more than I already do.
9. Instilling my faith in me.
Thank you for showing me the love that God has for me. I am so beyond grateful that you raised me with a religious background. God is such a big part of my life and that is because you've showed me how much of a blessing it is to believe in Him. Going to church every week was such a big part of my childhood. I can't thank you enough for doing that for me.
10. Making sure that I had a relationship with your parents.
I said this before and I will say it again, the grandparent-grandchild relationship is one of the most special things in the world. I could never thank you enough for making sure I have a close relationship with four of the most important people in my life.
11. For showing me the love that I deserve.
The love that you both have for each other is truly inspiring. Growing up with two parents that would do anything for each other and are each other's best friends has been such a great model for me when choosing who I want to be with. It has shown me to never settle and to always be with someone that is excited to be with me.
12. Always telling me that you love me.
When I think nothing is going right, you are there to tell me that you love me. Those three simple words are sometimes all that I need to hear to know that everything will be okay. But, if things don't work out the way for me that I want them to, then I will always have your love to pick me up when I fall.
I love you to the moon and back and so much more, Mom and Dad.
-Your forever grateful daughter.
