From the moment we are born, our parents love us more than anything in the world. They shelter us, they raise us and more importantly, they show us compassion and unconditional love. As a young adult learning to find my place in this crazy world, I have come to realize just how lucky I am to have the parents that I do. I wanted to take a moment to thank them simply for being who they are.

Our parents are our rocks. They are strong when we are weak, and they teach us to possess that same unyielding strength. When I have a bad day, my mom is the first person I call. She is the best listener, and she always knows just what to say to make me feel better. My parents do whatever it takes through both the good times and the bad to love my brother and me and to give us everything we could ever need.

Parents also teach us right from wrong and shape us into functioning members of society. This may seem like a small matter, but in a world that is becoming increasingly dominated by hatred, crime and negativity, I am thankful for my two role models who have taught me to be kind, humble and honest, and to go through life with shining positivity.

Our parents spend their lives making sure we are well taken care of, while simultaneously teaching us how to take care of ourselves and be independent. They let us find ourselves and become individuals while still supporting us through every triumph and every failure. They let us know that it's OK to make mistakes, and they teach us to never give up. I am confident that I would not be the person that I am today without their guidance.

Our fathers make sure we never settle for less than we deserve, and our mothers remind us that we are beautiful and perfect just the way we are. They teach us to be comfortable in our own skin and to cherish each and every day. They show us what it feels like to love and be loved, and that is perhaps the greatest gift of all.

Our parents are also our biggest fans. They proudly sit through every sporting match, school play and graduation, cheering us on and practically bursting with happiness. When we were kids, they selflessly drove us to every practice, lesson or friend's house until we were old enough to drive ourselves, and they sat next to us through every sickness, injury and cry session, always holding our hand and being our favorite shoulder to cry on. And thank goodness they somehow dealt with us through our incredibly awkward and moody preteen years.

If you are anything like me, you probably feel like you hit the jackpot with your parents. Though we have our occasional disagreements and I'm not the same little kid I used to be, my parents still mean the world to me, and they always will.

Mom and Dad, thank you for all of your endless love and constant support. I am both thankful and proud to be your child.