Dear Mom and Dad,

We've had a hell of a 21 1/2 year run. I'm approaching my graduation date, growing a little older (and hopefully a little wiser), and I'm about to embark on yet another journey (most likely sponsored by your wallets): Adulthood.

It's pretty crazy to look back and think about how we couldn't believe I had just graduated high school. Then, we were all shedding a tear when I moved into Frazer my freshmen year at Longwood. And now for the grand finale of my education brought to you by all of my college fund and then some, my graduation from Longwood University with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. What a mouth full.

I haven't always been the best at physically or verbally expressing my appreciation for the both of you, as well as the amount of love I have for you. In fact, I think I've signed several cards with a line similar to "I appreciate everything you do more than you know."

I know I am the greatest accident both of you have ever been a part of, but I also know that I am the luckiest kid in the whole world to have parents like the two of you. It took moving away from home, living on my own, and reflection, since we all know hindsight is 20/20, for me to see all the reasons you used to push me so hard in high school and my first two years of college.

Dad, this next part is for you:

I never understood why you rode me so hard during softball and school, but now I look back and it all seems to make a little more sense. You only wanted me to apply myself more than I was. The talent was there (or so you guys say), but I would never practice and play to my full potential.

Don't ask me why I haven't fully dissected that part of it yet, but I look back now and I regret not trying harder when there was still time. Maybe it was the bad and degrading coaching, or maybe even the people I was surrounded by, but now I miss it. I miss the competition and the fun, and I only hope that when I embark on my first coaching journey next year, that I channel my inner you.

You and I are both alike. We aren't morning people, we both intimidate people, we have the same sense of humor, and we both struggle to find words to express our feelings. It's perfectly okay because we do well in other areas like shooting ducks and road-tripping. I am very grateful for every way you have supported me throughout my life.

Yes, your monetary support has been amazing, but you do more for me mentally than I think you realize. When we text every so often, our conversations make me laugh out loud because of that dry humor. We bond over duck hunting and more so preparing for it.

Our mornings sitting in the woods in silence watching ducks are times we decompress together after long weeks, and times we get to bond and crack up when you almost fall and try to take me down with you. Your excitement for things makes me excited with you and for you. The drive you have and the hard work you put forth every single day inspires me to work hard in what I do.

I love you Dad, and I hope we have so many years of duck hunting trips and Michelob Ultras ahead of us.

Mom, this parts for you:

Let's go ahead and be honest, we used to pluck each other's every last nerve. Props to you for surviving raising a teenager, and for the record, I think I turned out pretty great. When we toured Longwood for the first time, you stayed upfront with the tour guide and reminisced about all your old memories. It drove me crazy, and even crazier when we found a photo of you on the wall at Lancaster.

But, for the last 4 years, I have strived to make lasting memories like the ones you still brag about when you reflect on Longwood. Though I'm not a die-hard pinterester like you, I still enjoy when you ask my opinion on your crafts, and especially when you make things for my friends and I. When you do, I brag about your skills and everyone usually talks about how awesome "Lacey's Mom" is. "Lacey's Mom," a title you have worn proud during all the introductions over the years.

A title I hope I make you proud to have. Thank you for always being my sounding board, my therapist when things get tough, and my cheerleader. I cherish the relationship we have built as I have grown older, one where I can talk to you like a friend when I need to or my Mom when I need you. I love you, and I hope I've made you proud following in your steps at Longwood.

So to you both, I love you more than I could ever put into words. You have given me an amazing 21 1/2 years. Some would say you spoil me, but I think we're just living the best life possible because you both work so hard. Thank you isn't enough, and honestly neither is this article, but I hope I show you how grateful I am for the way you pushed me, taught me the value of money, showed me hard work, and have given me every tool possible to make something of myself. I am so proud to call you my parents, and I hope I make you proud to be your daughter.

xoxo

You're favorite kid/Gidge/Lace