To my parents as I leave the nest,

In a short 10 days, I am embarking on the next chapter of my life to study Fashion Business Management at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. To be completely honest, I could not have made it here if it was not for the two people I owe my life to both literally and figuratively.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for raising me with high standards, lots of love, morals, a good work ethic, and happiness. You have done an amazing job raising my brother and I for the last 21 years, and you certainly do not get the appreciation you deserve.

I am so beyond relieved and thankful that you have never denied me of my dreams. You never told me to pick a more practical field like health, medicine or accounting. Instead, you told me to follow my heart and my passions. You have supported my dreams of fashion ever since I was a little girl, and I realize so many parents do not easily accept their children’s dreams in more far-fetched fields, and I love you for that.

In the past 18 years, you have given me everything I have ever wanted and more. I am so lucky to have such selfless parents and I am thankful for all the opportunities and never-ending love you have given me. I do not know how you both worked full time and ran a household with two young children and a demanding dog. I’m sorry for all the times I was a spoiled brat with a ceaseless list of requests.

Thank you for never ever missing a soccer game, dance recital, school concert, art show, cheer competition, business presentation and so on for the last 18 years of my life. Dad you protected our city and risked your life every day for 25 years and still made it to every single event. Mom you worked opposite shifts as dad and took care of me, Sean and so many other babies every day and still made it to every single event.

I am so happy to be so close to both of my parents, and I am going to miss you every single day while at college.

Mom, I’m going to miss all the nights of reality TV accompanied with blankets and chocolate covered strawberries. I’m going to miss the shopping trips finished with Panera and the trips for mani pedis on Sunday mornings.

Dad, I’m going to miss the Sunday mornings full of egg sandwiches, deli iced tea, breakfast with the Beatles, and our morning errands. I'm going to miss all your daily jokes and sarcastic remarks, and the nightly rounds of jeopardy.

Thank you to the best parents in the world for allowing me to chase my dreams, helping me every step of the way and never giving me up for adoption when I would stop breathing or act like a brat.

I hope I make you proud.

Love you to the moon and back.

Xo Erin