Dear Mom and Dad,

I know that raising my sister, brother and I was not the easiest. From the many extra activities we were involved in, to the countless things we wanted or needed: you always found a way to provide that for us.

Although we may not have had the most money, Dad, you went to work every single day to provide for us and make sure that we had money to spend on things we needed; you woke up at 4 a.m. almost everyday and didn't get home until late at night. I saw that it was taking a toll on you, but I was so grateful for all the sleep you were sacrificing.

Mom, you did everything for us; you drove us to our friends houses when we begged you to take us, you did the many loads of dirty laundry that all three of us had, and you cleaned up after us even if you asked us to do it.

Thank you for always putting up with Macie and I whenever we had our petty fights about clothes or something that wasn't worth fighting over. I know that the many arguments you have had to stop where totally uncalled for, but you loved us through it.

As I have grown older, I realize just how influential you two have truly been to us kids. Whether it's raising us to use proper manners, or just showing us the ups and downs that life has to offer. While you were teaching us these things, it truly was the worst thing because we didn't want to get told what to do.

As I look back, I want to thank you. Thank you for raising us the right way, for loving us unconditionally and for never giving up on us even if you wanted to sometimes. I know that having twins and then another daughter was a handful, but you both did it! We may have given you a lot of grey hairs, but grey is in nowadays -- y'all can rock it!

Now that so many things have changed, I long for my childhood again. I wish we could re-live those little moments in our house in McDonough. I miss playing with our many dogs and not having a care in the world. I miss spending so much time together that we got tired of each other.

We are all starting to live our separate lives and experiencing new things without each other, but I know that we would not have made it this far without love and support from the both of you. I will be forever grateful for you because you made sure we were never worried about anything.

Although we sometimes never showed our appreciation for you both as much as we should have, know that we love you both so much no matter the distance. Thank you again, for everything.

Sincerely,

Your daughter Alison