Dear Mom and Dad,

I want to use this article to thank you both for all you have done, and will continue to do, for me. You both have helped me become the strong young woman I am today, and I know if I didn't have such great parents like you, my life, morals, happiness, and future would be nothing like they are today.

Now, sure, our relationship hasn't always been the best; I can't protest when you say that I was a brat while in high school. Despite our past, you put up with me and reminded me daily what unconditional love truly is. Here are some of the things I really want to thank you both for.

Your time and love.

I know now how lucky I am to have parents who did everything they could to make me and keep me happy. I didn't realize until my first year of college how many people don't have parents who love them or who show them they love them as you both do for me. I can't explain how heartbroken I am for those who have not had the love and support I have had all my life.

I also feel terrible knowing I took advantage of your love for me. So thank you, Mom and Dad, for always being there for me. Whether you were on a trip, Mom, or at the office, Dad, I knew, and I still know, that I can always count on you both. This means the world to me.

Your discipline and strictness.

You probably never thought I'd thank you both for this one, right? Well I am, because I've realized now that all the rules that were placed on me were only to keep me safe, happy, and healthy. Even though that meant I couldn't stay out as late as my friends or go to friends' houses if you didn't know their parents, I learned what life was all about.

I learned that, when you both said no, it wasn't because you didn't want me to do something; it was because you wanted to keep me safe. Even the times when I was in my room crying because I felt you both were too strict I am thankful for because you gave me the opportunity to understand what parents who really love their kids do. They protect you. So thank you for always protecting me and keeping me out of trouble. Just like you said, Mom: "Nothing good happens after midnight, Nicole."

Your work ethic.

Now, Mom, this one is especially for you because I know you still hold remorse for being a mom who traveled a lot when I was younger. I sure didn't help you feel any better about it ... but I want you to know that I can't thank you enough for being that mom.

Thank you for being a woman who didn't give up her work for her kids. Thank you for being the mother who does it all. I still have no idea how you do it. Thank you for showing me that, even though I am a "woman," I can still become a well-paid, highly respected, and high-ranked working individual.

Thank you for showing me every day what it means to work hard and provide for your family. You working as hard as you have for my 19 years of life has not taken anything away from our relationship. Watching you and your career grow because of your wonderful work ethic has given me so much. I know you are hard on yourself about it, but I want you to know I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. You, being a full-time mom and a full-time employee, taught me so much more than you could have ever imagined!

And finally, Daddy, thank you for your work ethic and love. You have always given me the confidence to go after anything I can dream up, and look at me now!

Your compassion for others.

I remember always getting in trouble when I was younger and you'd say, "Nicole, why are you so nice to other people, even people you don't know, and not nice to us?"

I think I can finally answer that. Even though I had no excuse to be nasty to you, which I'm sorry for, I was and still am always so nice to other people because of you two. You both show me how to have compassion for others, whether that's giving people in need food, money, or clothes, you both are the ones to do it.

One of our Christmas traditions as a family is to always find at least one kid from the Red Cross Christmas Tree and buy them presents. I can tell you both that this is why the holidays are so special to me. Not because of gifts I receive, but the things I get to do with my family that help others.

You both are my role models. Not just because you are my parents, but because you both are such amazing and giving people. I am so lucky to have you as parents. I am so lucky to have been taught at a young age that giving is so much better than receiving. I just hope that I can live my life like that as well. Compassion and love for others, even those who have hurt you, is one of the most cherished characteristics that was passed on to me by the two of you. Even though at times this may mean that I will be hurt more than I will be happy, I know eventually it will pay off. and the two people I have to thank for that knowledge are you.

I love you.

Mom and Dad, I hope you know how much I love you. I know I may not always listen to your advice like you may want me to. Just know that I know you both are usually right. I miss you both a lot, but I am glad to have such a great relationship with you. Thank you for all that you do for me, my siblings, and everyone else you two help in this world. Just remember that I love you both to the moon and back, and I am very proud and thankful to call you my parents.

Love you tons,

Your daughter