Mom and Dad,
You've been there for me through it all. You were there with the video camera to catch all of my "first" moments; first word, first steps, first time swimming, etc. Now it's time to get your camera ready, because another another milestone is about to about to happen; your baby is going off to college.
As much as you tell me how ready you are for this day to come, I know deep down you are wishing time would slow down so we could have a little more time. The summer flew by and now we're ordering the last of the dorm decorations to be delivered by move in next weekend. As much as much as I'm looking forward to decorating my room together, I know once it's done we will be saying the goodbye we've both secretly been dreading.
In my 18 years of life you have taught me more than enough and I feel prepared to take on the world by myself. Even though I didn't appreciate it at times, your parenting style has really prepared me to look and take on life with a strong, positive, and realist attitude. I'll listen before I speak, I'll get (most) of my work done before I go out, and I'll treat everyone I meet with the upmost respect. You taught me the importance of little things in relationships and I'll always have you in the back of my head when I meet someone new or am about to try something new.
I know we didn't get along all the time, but I'm glad senior year and this summer we became closer. As much as I admired my friends parents who acted like their friends, I look back and am SO thankful you were not that. You never let anything fly by like a friendly parent would and would not tolerate curse words or casual drinking around the house. However, the past year we have gotten a lot closer and there's been more laughing and joking in our house. The scolding got more relaxed and we had more fun. While you'll always be my parents, I'm glad we finally got over the strict stage and I can be more free around the house with what I say and do. The house has a happier atmosphere and lately I've looked forward to coming home and talking with you guys about the latest gossip. I'm really going to miss it when I'm gone. Be prepared for lots of FaceTime calls about the disgusting boys and girl drama.
I wish I had listened to you when you told me to never grow up. Here I am wishing we could go back to the barbie days when times were so much simpler (and cheaper). I never though I would miss you guys so much. Thank you for all you've done for me up to this point and prepared be to take on the world by myself. I love you both more than you know. I'll always be your baby.
- C
