Dear Mom and Dad,
I don't say thank you enough for all the sacrifices and obstacles you have overcome for me. I am so lucky to have parents that truly love me and will stand behind me no matter what I face. I could go on forever about everything you have done for me, but here are some things I want you to know:
Thank you for encouraging me to always try new things.
Soccer, cheering, theater, softball, dance, youth group, lacrosse, track, violin, you name it, I probably tried it because my parents wanted me to find myself on my own.
I am happy that you did not spoil me.
You didn't give me every toy in the world, especially if I did not earn it. You made me realize what hard work is, and how great it feels when it pays off. I know you worked your butts off to give me everything you possibly could give me, and I am forever grateful for that.
Thank you for teaching me right from wrong.
This is a big one in my book because I have met people who have no idea what morals are. My parents made sure I knew manners, and if I dared to be disrespectful to others, they would make it known I did something wrong. Because of these lessons, I always rethink my actions/thoughts before I judge, be rude, or base opinions on materialistic things.
I am successful because you let me make my own mistakes.
You never forbid me from following a passion, even if you didn't agree with me. Usually, you were right about most, but you stood by me and never told me "I told you so." You let me pick all the paths I wanted to travel, and I have been pretty successful because I learn from my mistakes and I am passionate about what I am doing.
Thank you for helping me with college.
This needs to be its own category, college is a killer on parents. My parents try their very best to give me anything they possibly can, sometimes ever more than they have to offer and somehow they make it work. So, thank you.
I would be a college dropout if it wasn't for your support.
College is extremely stressful, between school work, the cost, and trying to find a future career. Every time something gets hard, you encourage me to keep trying and to do my best. If it wasn't for your positive attitudes and support, I would be working at McDonald's.
I am sorry if you ever felt unappreciated
I am forever indebted to you guys for sacrificing all that you have to make sure I had a roof over my head, food on the table, and clothes on my back. Not only did you provide the necessities, but you made sure I had a normal childhood and supportive parents.
My family will always come first
You taught me this from day one, family comes first. As a 21-year-old I can't do much yet, but I do as much as I can for my brother and sister. I want them to know how proud I am of them and I try to be as present as I can, while attending school. I try my hardest to keep in touch with family during my busy schedule, and I make a priority to talk to my parents every day.
Love you guys!
