Dear Mom and Dad,
I hope you know how proud I am of you. I know, I know, usually you’re the ones talking about how proud you are of your children, and I know that when you tell me you’re proud, you’re genuine. But have I told you often enough? Do you know how proud I am of you two?
We have all been made aware that actions speak louder than words, but I really want to remind you how true this is. You have fostered my love for words, and I have written you many notes on the waterproof notepad in the shower, on the counter for when you wake up and I’ve already left, or sent all the way from Kansas for special occasions. I hope those words mean as much to you as they do to me… I hope my actions have all been in accordance to those words. I have nothing but love and appreciation for you.
I am proud that you are my parents. I am proud that out of any parents I’ve ever met (and we’ve all had parents), you two have raised my brother and me in a way that makes the most sense. Naturally, there is some bias, for I have never been looked after by anyone else for extended amounts of time, but I think it’s important to note that in times when my friends have struggled in an unhealthy family situation, you two were the parents that they were able to come to and look up to as guides and mentors. Your love is unconditional, not only for our immediate family, but for anyone who needs the love and support you so aptly and enthusiastically provide.
I am proud to know that you two love each other so very much. When I tell you that I love you and you tell me that you love me more, I know you really mean it. I love you as deeply as I know how to, knowing that I would not be here without you. However, you loved me so incredibly much before I even physically existed that you made me happen. The strength of your love is shared through marriage, and everyone can see that. Soon, you will be sharing your 25th wedding anniversary, and I am proud of you for showing me how special that is. Setting the example of love and marriage, from the story of the first time you hung out at mom’s fake party to how you cuddled and watched a movie last night shows me that love is real and lasting and shared. Love is partnership and trust and loyalty. Love is silly. Love is family. Love is simple. Love cannot be more clearly yet deeply represented than you display every day. I am proud of you for teaching me that there is a love like that out there for me.
The strength of your love is shared through having children and letting them know, always, that we are loved. When you ate play-dough cookies for me all those years ago, just because you knew it would simply make me happy, even for a brief moment (before I realized how nasty that was), there was no second-guessing to munching on the pink and green “cookie.” Doing crazy things (in reason) simply to put a smile on your child’s face is something to be proud of.
I am proud of you for teaching me how to be independent and confident without being isolated and prideful. You have never imposed upon my decisions, but you reassure me that you will be right there to talk when I need help deciding what will be in my best interest, and when I decide against that, you’re there to comfort me during uncomfortable learning processes. I am proud of you for still supporting my accomplishments from states away, when it is just as easy to only contact each other when necessary.
I am proud of you for reaching your dreams while helping me reach mine. None of us have sacrificed those dreams, but rather, provided the encouragement and motivation when things looked dull. I am proud of you every time I walk into the gallery or see Mom’s web and magazine designed upon chance. I am so very proud of you for accomplishing your art dreams, your marriage dreams, and your family dreams, and all at the same time.
I am proud of you for teaching me that everything happens for a reason. I am proud of you for authentically believing in everything you teach me. I am so very proud to be your daughter.
I’ll be home soon.
All of my love,
LiLe
