Dear Mom and Dad,
There is so much I want to say to you both that I know if I did, it would be endless pages of writing. We have gone through so many years together, but also many years apart. Dealing with the separation and then the divorce of you two was probably one of the toughest experiences I have dealt with so far in my life. I did at first want to start this letter just pouring out my emotions about how tough you guys made it for your children, but instead, I decided last second to make it a more positive outlook. I put you both together in this letter because for the longest time everything between you guys have been separate. Separate birthday celebrations, separate pictures, separate holidays, separate smiles and laughter, and the list goes on and on. This time, I want to thank you for the things you have both taught me.
You both taught me that I could be anything I ever dreamed of.
You guys always had me imagining, dreaming, and shooting for the stars. Ever since I was little, I always believed that I could do anything and be anything I put my mind to. It is probably one of the biggest lessons you both have taught me together. I'm now always dreaming big.
You both taught me what kindness is.
You both always wanted me to grow up with an open, loving, and accepting heart. Luckily for you two, that's exactly what happened. You both always taught me to be kind to others and to treat others the way that I would want to be treated. This didn't just stick throughout my childhood, it is something that I will continue to carry into my adult years.
You both taught me that hard work leads to success.
You both not only taught me to dream big but to also work towards it. Nothing in life is a handout, and you should always be driven towards the success you desire. Dad, especially when it came to watching how dedicated you are to your job, I think it also rubbed off on me as well when I started to work.
You both taught me to have confidence.
Although I do beat myself up most of the time, I don't think that was your doing. You both have taught me while I was growing up to hold my head up high and to see all the amazing qualities I possess. You both taught me it, now I need to continue applying the lesson to my everyday life.
You both taught me I am beautiful inside and out.
You guys always made sure that each one of your children felt that they were beautiful. As we started getting older, you also extended the lesson of looking at the beauty that is on the inside because that is what truly shines through.
You both taught me what forgiveness means.
I think the very first major lesson of forgiveness was me being able to forgive you both. Forgiving you for your past mistakes and moving past them was the most difficult of lessons, but you do it for your family. No matter how angry I may be, no matter how upset it made me, you both taught me that in order to move forward and make things better forgiveness is the key to making all of that happen.
All of these lessons you both taught me throughout these years are essential to who I am as a person today. I don't know what I would do without you both in my life. I know sometimes I may be difficult to deal with, but just know deep down I will always love you both with all my heart.
Love,
Your Daughter
