Dear Mom and Dad,

I’m a proud member of the Smith family.

I catch myself thinking more and more these days how much I am like both of you. Phrases that I say, things that I do, even poses that I stand in. Sometimes without even thinking about it I’ll look across the room and catch us standing in the exact same way. You know what I’m talking about. You’ve impacted my life in ways I never even thought imagined.

Some people hope they’re never like their parents but I want to be just like you two. You’ve inspired me to reach for my dreams and get there because it’s possible. All of the work that you two have done to make my life the way it is today amazes me each and every day.

That’s not to say that my life was carefree, by any means. You made sure to teach me the value of a dollar and how things aren’t handed to you in life. If I wanted something, I would have to work to get what I wanted. Of course, as things I wanted grew more expensive than some candy or a shirt, it would take longer to get and I would have to work more. Thank you for teaching me that at a young age.

I would never be where I am today without you two always supporting me, especially in high school.

My confidence was very low at the start of high school--constantly comparing myself to other people took a lot out of me and damaged how I viewed myself. Countless times, I would come home from school and would need emotional support for all of my insecurities and needed a shoulder to cry on. Not only did you provide those shoulders, (sorry for all those wet spots on your shirts) but you always gave me the advice I needed to hear. Looking back, I can see how I grew more confident as the years went by until I reached the spot that I’m at today. Now when I’m walking, I don’t hang my head low and try to make myself as small as possible. I carry my head high and I walk like I own the place. Because I’m a strong, young woman now, all thanks to you.

You two have always been on my side and only want me to succeed. I know I don’t say it often, but you were right...about everything. About people, about decisions, and of course about things that seemed like it would be the end of the world. News flash: the world went on. I’m doing great, and it’s all thanks to you two. As I get older, even if I’m away at college, I’ll still rely on you two to help me weigh out my options and remind me that problems that seem huge at the moment won’t matter in a week, month or year.

I love how so much of me is like you two. How quick I am with a sarcastic or sassy comment. How I can make punny jokes (although not as quick or as rapid as you can, Dad). My sense of style was created from the countless times I walked out of the room only to turn right back around because of a single look from you two. I’m noticing more and more how similar I am to you two, but that’s not a bad thing. In fact, I embrace it. You are the biggest role models of my life and I consider it the best thing possible to be like you two.

You are so important to me, and I know you will be for the rest of my life. We’re such a close family that I know we’ll always be close. I can’t put into words how much I appreciate you and everything that you’ve done for me. I am so proud to have you two as my parents. I couldn’t ask for anything better. As far as I’m concerned, I have the best parents in the world.

I love you so much.

With love,

Alexandra