Dear Mom and Dad,

I miss you. I never knew what difference college would make on my relationship with you, or how much I would miss home. I know growing up is a part of life, but some days I wish I could rewind the clock to quiet evenings of p.j.s, snuggling with Mom and listening to Dad read The Chronicles of Narnia out loud.

I miss being around the house and gathering at odd times for family dinner so we could all see each other for a moment before busyness stole us away from the table. Our house was always warm and bright with love and encouragement. I felt treasured as a child because I knew you two loved me unconditionally and without fail. I thought I would take a moment to thank you for how you both impacted my life individually.

Mom, thank you for being my greatest mentor. You've nurtured me so tenderly, allowing me to bloom as God grew me in body and heart. Thank you for teaching me to love through your own love for me and Dad. You've been through all of my moments with me. In my weakest moments, you're my first call; in my moments of success, I want to tell you first. Mom, I can't imagine a better fan club president than you! No one knows me better. You're my sounding board. I can talk to you about anything, silly or valid, for who knows how long. And then, at just the right moment, you come in with better advice than I could have found on Google for sure. Thank you for being at every choir concert, dance recital, theater performance, and even my one season of softball games. You're my best supporter in every aspect. Thank you for your constant encouragement. Thank you for praying for me. You've prayed for me since I was conceived, and never ever stopped. Thank you for praying for my friendships, my insecurities, my future, and my husband someday. Having a praying mother makes all the difference in the world. I treasure our tears from heart to heart talks and the tears from laughing until our stomach muscles were sore the next day. Spending time on road trips and on long runs on Saturday mornings are some of my favorite pages in the scrapbook of my heart. Thank you for modeling the woman I want to be. I can only hope God grows me to resemble your heart how I resemble you in features. I miss talking at midnight, doing yoga in the living room, and telling you how my day was. I love you more than words, Mom.

Daddy, you mean the world to me. Since moving away to school, I realize how wonderful of a father you are, and how much your influence has impacted my heart forever. Since I was a little girl running around in a princess dress with a baby doll in tow, you've affirmed me, telling me I'm beautiful and a valuable treasure. You've never failed to love me gently. You make me laugh, without fail. I love our memories of dance parties at dinner and poking fun at each other with our running competition. Thanks for continually reminding me how to relax and tune in to my "Eye of the Tiger" melody in my head when facing a challenge. I remember so clearly the day in 6th grade you brought flowers to my school just to show me you loved me. The note from that surprise and the two others just like it are on my bulletin board in my college dorm room - I've kept them all these years because they remind me of how precious my father thinks I am. You've demonstrated how I should expect to be pursued and loved by my own husband someday. I'm thankful for the time I have had under your spiritual leadership and I'm thankful these days are not over yet (deep breath, Dad... No boy has stolen my heart yet!). Thank you for providing for my needs and gifting me with so many wants throughout my life. Thank you for the time you gave me on daddy-daughter dates and game nights on weekends at home. Thank you for disciplining me and teaching me to work diligently for what I deem worth it. Most importantly, thank you for leading me closer to the Lord through your spiritual leadership. You've lived out your faith through your actions at home, the treatment of our family, and your wise words of advice. God used you to lead me to Him, and your guidance has led me along the path of life. I am so grateful for you, Dad. You have forever shaped me to be who I am today.

Thank you, parents... I feel foolish for not recognizing that you are truly the biggest gift God has ever given me. I could not be half the person I am today without your influence and guidance throughout my life. God knew exactly what He doing by giving me the opportunity to grow up in your love. Words cannot express how thankful I am for every sleepless night, every worried prayer, and every gentle touch. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for always putting me first. I love you.

Your daughter,

Emily Christine