Dear Mom and Dad,

I know I don't say this often enough, but thank you for everything that you do. When I look around at different people I often wonder how I got to be so lucky as to have you both as my parents. I am possibly just a bit biased, but as I grow older and witness the way other people interact with their parents I can't help but think that I am one of the most fortunate people in the world to have you both.

You never doubt me. Every day, I see people with parents who discourage and put down their children; whether they mean to or not, but never once can I recall a time when either of you doubted me or discouraged me from pursuing something I loved. Even if you weren't fond of all of my ideas, you nearly always stayed level-headed and heard me out. You gave me your opinions and guided me without being overbearing, and I think that right there is the most important part of our relationship.

You were never the parents who told me that I couldn't do something just "because I said so." You always communicate with me and explain your views, and even when we disagree I appreciate you always giving me the benefit of the doubt. You always heard me out and let me explain myself in whatever situation I found myself in. Thank you for the support you always end up providing me with, and that I so desperately need sometimes. Just recently an opportunity presented itself that I was a bit hesitant to take only because it would cut into our time together over the summer, but your counsel and opinions were huge in helping me realize the opportunity in front of me. You help me to see the things around me that I'm sometimes too scared to acknowledge and encourage me to push my boundaries in order to experience new things, and I will forever be grateful to you for that.

I want to apologize for not always calling. Some days I get busy, other days I just plain forget but know that I will always answer your call when I see it. I never intend to ignore you; on the contrary, I miss you terribly most days. The constant guidance you gave me growing up isn't quite as tangible as it was when we lived under the same roof 365 days out of the year, but I keep what I have and I take every bit I can get from you both.

I can't imagine life without you two as my parents. Just the other day I was on the phone with you, dad, and before we said goodbye you told me that you were proud of me. No reason, no special occasion, just out of the blue you said, "I'm proud of you." I don't think I can express to you how much those words mean to me.

So thank you for being you, and for giving me and my siblings every possible opportunity that you can. You both are the best parents I could have dreamt to ask for, and I thank the stars each night that you're mine. Your sacrifices don't go unnoticed, and I don't know how I'll ever repay you for everything you do, but I'll start with making the most of every opportunity I've been granted.

With love,

Your daughter