Dear Mom and Dad,

You both have been the driving force behind my success. Although you guys will tell me I did it all on my own, we both know that isn’t the truth.

From a young age, you guys taught me to just be a decent person. Sure, you also gave me the urge to yell at every single driver when in a car, but that’s not the point. By teaching me to simply live a good life, you have set me up to where I am today.

Leaving for college was probably the hardest thing you guys ever went through with me. It was that or when I went through depression. Either way, you guys helped me all the way through and have stuck with me until the end.

I am so thankful to have parents who still love each other. You have set up a wonderful foundation for me. Thank you for that.

Most of all, I just want to thank you for being the people you are. Not just as my parents, but as people! I feel so comfortable coming to you guys for absolutely anything.

Thanks, Dad, for picking me up from middle school when I had my first period (lol).

Thanks, Mom, for driving me to all those skating competitions as a kid.

Speaking of figure skating, let me talk about Dad for a minute.

Growing up figure skating was always a challenge. Not just physically, but mentally. I know it cost you guys so much money and I thank you every day for the opportunity you gave me.

What made it all worth it was Dad screaming every time I entered the ice for my program. See, in figure skating, you’re kind of just supposed to do a quiet golf clap when someone goes out there (at least that’s what seemed socially acceptable). Then there is Dad. They would say “Please welcome Allison Whitehead!” and my Dad would lose his shit screaming.

It was the best. On every single one of my videos from a competition, you can literally tell which one of the obnoxious screams is my Dad. It’s awesome.

When I got a retail job, I used to come home and complain to you guys every single day. Sometimes I would just be super angry and sometimes I would cry. Either way, both of you would say that it would all be worth it some day.

Thank you for helping me realize I am not above anything. Thank you for teaching me that I don’t deserve anything in this world. Thank you for making me work hard for what I want in life. You have set me up for such a successful future.

You guys rock my socks.