I know I do not always say the things I need to say to you every day, but I want you to know I am grateful. This is my letter to you.

Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you. I have to start this off with the words that seem the most simple but can hold the greatest meaning. I want to thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for me. I want you to know that I am aware of all of the sacrifices you have made and I cannot thank you enough.

You have shaped and molded me into the person I am today and you have never once pushed me away. I know how difficult and stubborn I can be and I want you to know that I am thankful for all of the times you put me first, even when you were tired. I also want to thank you for all of the times I would make you leave work during the day to drop off whatever material I forgot behind at home that morning. I thank you for everything.

If anything, I want you to know that I admire you. I admire everything about you. I admire your resilience and ability to pursue on in any circumstance. I admire the way you have raised me into someone I am so proud to call myself (and hopefully you are too). I admire the fact you have put so many other before yourself and helped as many people as you have. I admire you for never giving up on me. I admire the way you carry yourselves, especially when times get tough. You have taught me the most important lessons in life and you helped me through them. I admire the way you tell me I can achieve anything I put my mind to. I admire you taking my friends in as your own and showing them love at its full capacity. I admire you both.

I want to take the time to remind you that I love you. I am sure you know that I love you, but I want you to hear it every chance you can (or see it in this case). I have to make sure you know that I love you even when I distance myself and tell you I am angry. I love you when I am stubborn and have an attitude. I love you when you are upset or pestered by me. I love you all of the time.