The older I get, the more I appreciate the little things in life that I once took for granted. Not everyone has a stable roof over their head, not everyone has enough food for three meals a day, and not everyone has a loving family to come home to. With all the of the devastating tragedies happening constantly around the world, you can't help but to feel guilty about just how fortunate you really are.

When I think of my well-being and my happiness, I immediately think of the two people who I owe everything to. My mom and dad. The ones who have always been there for me and have loved me unconditionally, even at my worst when I was hard to love. This is for you, to thank you for the things I can never repay you for.

Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you for being my biggest fans. Even if you don't agree with my choices, you don't judge me and you only provide me with constructive criticism instead of completely shooting me down. You bring positivity to my life and lift me up when I need it.

Thank you for Michael, my older brother. Although we fought and acted like demons sometimes while we were growing up, I am so thankful for him. He was often my partner in crime and our relationship gets better as we get older. You always told us that we would be great friends when we got older and I am finally starting to believe that.

Thank you for being the "cool parents." All of my friends loved you guys and our house was always the place to be. You welcomed everyone with open arms and made sure our high school years were the best. Thank you for letting us get snowed in at our house my junior year of high school. That is one memory I will never forget. And Mom, you were like our own personal chauffeur.

Thank you for caring about my education. You were constantly checking up on my grades and heckling me about why I didn't turn this or that in on time. I thought it was annoying at the time and getting grounded on the weekends was quite inconvenient, but it has made me a better student and now I am about to graduate. Also, thank you for providing me with a college education. Many kids grow up knowing that college is not an option for them, but I grew up with excitement knowing that college was the definite plan for me after high school. I am so thankful for that.

Thank you for letting me and Michael grow up with dogs. Pugsly and Holly were my first loves and they fueled my obsession with animals. Growing up with furry friends has turned me into a fur mom and I blame that on my childhood. Life IS better with dogs.

Thank you for making me do chores like my own laundry, dishes, vacuuming, etc. I hated it at the time, but now I find myself becoming oddly satisfied when the sink is empty and clean and all my clothes are fresh. Thank you for the allowance you gave me to do those chores. That $20 went a long way for a high school student.

Thank you for making me get a job as soon as I was old enough. Working since an early age has taught me a lot about people skills, having a strong work ethic, and patience. You are the reason that I am able to (almost) support myself these days.

Thank you for going all out for our birthdays and holidays. You always knew what to do to make us feel like the most special kids in the world during those occasions. Those are memories that I will never forget and I still get so excited when they come around.

Thank you for taking care of me when I'm sick. Yes, I say that in present tense because you still do to this day. There is nothing like having your mom and dad there for you when you are under the weather. You heal a lot faster when you go home to nothing but TLC.

Thank you for remaining close with your families. I cannot imagine growing up without being close to both sides. We have made so many memories that I will cherish forever. You gave me the best grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles ever and I am grateful for that. I can't imagine it any other way.

Last but not least, thank you for never giving up on me. You have been there since day one (literally) and it is such an amazing feeling to know that I will have you for many more years to come. I have no idea where I would be without your love and guidance, and I don't want to know what the world would be like without you. You have blessed me beyond measure and I will always cherish our close relationship.

I love you guys so much,

Erin