An Open Letter To My Parents On Senior Day

Dear Parents,

Thank you! Words can’t begin to express how grateful I am for the support both of you have given me through out my softball career. From my first ground ball to my final weeks of playing the game, you two have always been there to cheer me on. I know I don’t say thank you nearly as much as I should, but your unconditional support and love has made it possible for me to play softball until the very end.

Mom, thank you for always being a positive force in my life and teaching me that having a good attitude is crucial for success. Your warm love and tender heart has shaped my leadership skills for the better. Thank you for always encouraging me even when I was upset after making an error or striking out. Thanks for reinforcing to me that academics are just as important as athletics and one can not exist with out the other. Thank you for being a strong, confident, woman role model and validating that hard work and determination will pay off in the end. The courage and drive you have in everything you do has given me the courage to pursue my own dreams.

Dad, thank you for buying me my first glove and teaching me how to throw in the backyard. Thank you for never missing a game growing up and even coaching a year when we had no one else who volunteered.I keep in my heart all of our secret trips to Popeye's on Sundays after practice. Thank you for taking off work and driving to Alabama my freshman year of college to watch me compete in my very first collegiate softball tournament. I could always count on you to hit me extra ground balls after practice or toss the ball around every day. Thanks for teaching me to focus on the next play and never give up, instead of dwelling on the previous one. Thank you for teaching me that I am entitled to nothing in this world and that everything has to first be earned. I cherish all of the memories that we made on our long drives to tournaments while jamming out to "The Beatles." You are truly the best dad and I am so happy that I turned out to be just like you.

I will forever appreciate the lessons you two have taught me and the opportunities you both have provided me. Softball has made me who I am today and I would not have been able to play without you two.Thanks for teaching me to constantly hold a moral compass and to continuously practice good sportsmanship no matter the situation.Thank you for all of the sacrifices you have made, the money you have spent, the time you have given up and the hugs and kisses you have given me after games.

Thanks for it all.

I love you!