Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you. I’m aware that is a simple yet broad statement of gratitude although I don’t think I say it enough to you guys. I remember when you both first dropped me off at preschool and I was whimpering as I clenched onto your legs not wanting to let go, not wanting to start something new and away from my parents. I remember in first grade on picture day, I sat in my room staring at Britney Spears’ CD cover demanding her outfit to wear to school pictures and you tried your best to help me match her clothes. I remember all the times I’ve been sick and you were there to comfort me and attempt to make me feel better. I remember when you took my phone away for basically being a brat (thank you, I probably deserved that). I remember all of the carpools and drop offs for practices and play dates endured. I remember the first time I cried over a boy and you were there to wipe my tears away and explain that I had my whole life ahead of me. I remember when I first left for college and you were always stationed by your phones, ready to console me when I was feeling homesick.
So thank you, Mom and Dad. I have learned that the corny saying actually proves to be true; friends come and go as we pass through life, but family will always be there for you. You guys have done just that; you’ve always been here for me. Regardless of your long and strenuous days at work or if you may not be getting along perfectly, you have been strong enough to put everything to the side and be there for me, anytime, anywhere. I envy the patience you have displayed with me throughout the past twenty years and I can only hope I can develop that skill with my own children in the future. You’ve allowed me to learn from my mistakes instead of keeping me sheltered to prevent them from happening. Because of that, I think I have become a stronger person and so have you.
I’d like to say thank you because I know it would not be possible to be the person I am today if it weren’t for you guys. I would not have been able to experience the things I’ve been blessed to see and do. I’ve learned that life is about the experiences, and you guys have given me the gift of beautiful memories growing up. I don’t believe that any family is perfect, but I wouldn’t trade my childhood or the way I was brought up for anything, even if I might have expressed otherwise in the past.
Because I might not say these two words and eight letters enough, thank you. I am eternally grateful for you guys and all that you have done for me. I am looking forward to experiencing the rest of what life has to offer with you guys by my side, or at least a phone call away. I can only hope that I am one day at least half of the parents you are to me.
All my love,
Your (not so) little girl
