We do not get to choose the parents that we receive in our lives, but I'm forever grateful that I have been given mine. For 20 years, you both have put so much effort into raising Andrew and me. We've never stopped to say thank you for all of the things you have done for us.
No matter what we decided to do, you were supportive of us. Sometimes, the decisions we made weren't the best, but you let us figure it out on our own. There is never a day that goes by you don't say you love us or are proud of us.
Often times, we both push your buttons and annoy the heck out of you, but you love us anyway. I never had to worry about anything in my life because you both took very good care of us. We don't realize how blessed we are to have you as parents.
You've invested so much of your patience and time to make sure we grew up to be good, strong, hard-working individuals. You always made sure we were always working hard and trying our best. You were at every game, recital and presentation, cheering us on and watching as we would succeed.
Who we are as individuals, the people that we have grown up to be, are because of the both of you. Whenever there was an important lesson to be learned, you were there to teach us. You never let us be the spoiled kids that took things for granted. You taught us to work hard for the things we want.
Mom, you are amazing. You can always put a smile on my face, even when I am in the worst mood. You have so much kindness and compassion towards other people, there is nothing that you wouldn't do for someone you care about. You have never had it easy, but despite that, you have become an amazing person and the best mom ever. I remember when I was little thinking, if I was even half as kind as you are, then I would be happy.
Dad, you are fantastic. You always work hard to make sure we are all taken care of. You always joke around with me, even when you're tired. You are always helping the people around you and making sure that we are all safe. I remember being little and wanting to have the strength you do. There isn't one thing you can't do.
You both have provided a loving home for Andrew and me. I hope that one day, we will become great parents to our children just like you were to us.
