Sometimes I’m a brat. Sometimes I’m ungrateful. Sometimes I am the sweet adorable little thing you raised. I am always your daughter.

I’ve been across the country for two years now and each and every day it gets harder. I know it may not seem like it but I truly do miss you and I am always praying and thinking of you. We talk, a lot. Like a concerning amount sometimes when I am stressed, but I could not be happier or more thankful that I have so much love from you both.

You guys have taught me some of the greatest lessons that other people learn the hard way. Thank you for showing me what is good for you really is good for me, thank you for teaching me to love and share and care and fight for what matters, thank you for teaching me to never give up on my faith and that God will be waiting for me to come around, and thank you for teaching me confidence. I know sometimes our ideals clash and I don’t always make what seems like the best idea, but I am balancing everything and trying my best.

I cannot count how many times I have wanted dad to rub my hair or mom to give me a hug. I wish that my brothers were here to beat up boys that hurt me and Gunner was here to snuggle me in bed. Leaving was the best thing that happened to me.

I know it sounds counterintuitive, but it’s true. Leaving home and becoming mostly independent forced me to grow up and realize what responsibilities are mine. Leaving home made me value you and our family so much more than I thought was possible. Leaving home showed me that I am strong enough even on my rough days to keep pushing through.

So, I know I am sappy and I’m not sure about y’all, but I’m crying. I’m crying because I am growing up and can no longer get caught throwing away my hot dog because I only wanted the macaroni and cheese. More than that, I am because I know you have done such an amazing job at preparing me for real life even though we all just want to lie on the couch on New Years and watch Happy Feet together.

With all of the love that I have,

Steph