To my first teachers,

You didn't know it at the time, but you were setting the pathway for the rest of my teachers. You didn't know it, but you were setting me up for greatness. You gave me my first lessons, and I'll be the first to admit I was skeptical at first, but you did a great job. It is because of you guys that I am how I am today. You are my parents.

First, I'd like to say thank you. Thank you for never giving up on me and for continuing to teach me even when you didn't know it. Second, I'd like to say that you did a great job teaching me along the way. I know we both had our doubts at times, but together we did it. I say this because not only did you two teach me, I also taught you. This isn't me saying that you two were inexperienced, because this would be false. You taught someone before me, and you guys didn't teach her wrong. It is just that teaching me gave you more experience for the one after me. The one who may be a little tougher to teach, but that's okay. I know as of right now, you two aren't leading him wrong. You are just teaching differently.

See, that is the job of a parent. To teach you even when you hate it. Sometimes as kids we think that the long, life speeches and the strict rules are there to prevent us from life. Really though, they're there so we don't make major mistakes. The rules and speeches are there as guidelines helping us along this pathway we call life. That is just something you learn to deal with as a child.

As a child you learn that the speeches and rules will never really leave. They might come fewer and further between, but they will always be there. Always lingering, because that's what parents do. They linger, looking for the next lesson they can teach. The truth is your parents become your first teachers. They set the guidelines for all the other, great teachers you will have. Unlike school teachers who you leave in a year, your parents are there for most of your life, never leaving your side.

Mom,

You taught me the best you could about silly things like boys and makeup, but you also taught me about books and music. All of which I am grateful about.

Dad,

You taught me everything there was about work ethics and responsibilities. You taught me how to operate a car. Things I'll carry with me for the rest of my life.

Together though, together you two taught best. Together you guys taught me about the real aspects of life. You two together taught me about the messy parts of life. You taught me about death, prison and love. You taught me the importance of family. None of which sound important spelled out, but sometimes they're the biggest lessons you could've taught me. For that, I'm forever grateful.

You two had no idea about some of the lessons you taught me, and that is okay because in my eyes you have never failed as teachers. I know sometimes it was tough, but we got through it and for that I say thanks.