Dear Mom and Dad,

Many kids my age don't have parents who are as loving and supportive as you are. Although I am the "baby" of the family, I just want you to know how important you are to me and that that will never change.

We've had our ups and downs, a lot of them to be honest, but I wouldn't change that for anything. When we have ups, they are amazing and wonderful and we talk about the memories for years after that. Some of the best memories I have are with you guys, and I'll treasure them for the rest of my life. And when we have downs, they aren't just little set backs, they're huge, draining, heartbreaking downs. Somehow, someway, we always manage to put ourselves back together. Maybe thats because we lean on each other for support, or maybe it's just because I have two of the strong parents ever.

When I was in high school I took you both for granted, which was wrong of me. We fought all the time and we never ever seemed to get along for more than five minutes. But when I moved to college, I found a new appreciation for you that I should have had my whole life. You were both always there for me no matter what stood in the way; whether it was coming to get me at eight o'clock at night or taking time from your lunch break at work to come jump my car (thanks Daddio). You never failed to let me know that you were proud of me either, even though you knew I was struggling with absolutely everything that was going on in my life. You've always been a safe haven for me, and I hope you see that.

I am so beyond thankful to also take after two amazing and caring people. It sounds cliche, but I wouldn't be who I am without you. We all know people who have divorced parents or no real parents at all, and I can't seem to imagine that even in my wildest dreams. You are the definition of what I want to be when I 'grow up'. You are a strong, seemingly fearless, loving couple and you both put my happiness before your own. I really don't deserve that considering all the hell I have caused you in my nineteen years on this earth.

I couldn't have asked for a better support group to be by my side. Whether it was applying for colleges or moving into school or even doing my homework while I was at college, you've always been there telling me that I could do it if I just put my mind to it. I often wonder if you do that because you want me to get all the college experiences that you never got, but them I remember that you have always been pushing me to succeed and follow my dreams. Even if it only lasted for a very short period of time, for example the times I actually tried sports (other than dance and cheerleading) and then quickly hated it. You never made me continue to do what I didn't want to like most parents would, you just supported every decision I made.

I know I have nothing to prove to either of you, but I just hope that one day I can show you the reason why I push myself hard just for you guys. You're the reason that I am able to do everything that I do and only somewhat break a sweat from it. Thank you for everything you do, have done, and will do in my life. My love for you two is something extremely special and it will never fade.

All my heart,

Your Daughter