Dear Mom and Dad,
Throughout the 20 years of my life that I have been blessed with, I have often imagined what thoughts go through your minds when you think of me. I have lived an interesting life under each of your roofs. A life that I know is nothing like my two older brothers before me. Despite some of my disappointments in life, I hope that when you look at me you feel proud and satisfied. You both to this day continue to work hard to provide for yourselves and the family around you and despite your divorce you never let my needs take a backseat. The amount of gratitude I have towards the both of you is astronomical. The love I have for each of you stretches wider than the sun.
Dad, nobody in my family knows or understands me better than you do. We have been able to have conversations that last long enough for someone to pass out. I always say to people that I get my personality from you. Just like me your loud (even to a fault sometimes), outgoing and open minded. Quite frankly looking at our relationship makes me think of what you see in the movies. Doing everything together from fishing, shooting, going to sporting events and playing Wii bowling. Most importantly though you have taught how to be a man. Taught me the value of hard work and taking care of your responsibilities, especially your family. In fact, you have actually made several chore-like activities fun, like mowing the lawn and shoveling snow. You have set the perfect example for being a balance of my disciplinarian and friend.
Mom, there have been many times when we have had disagreements but I wouldn’t trade you for anything in the world. As time as gone on and I have matured I’ve been able to appreciate many different things I did not see when I was young. The fact is you’re a leader by example and I have learned a lot just by keeping my eyes open. One thing I notice more than any is your work ethic. Everything you do, you do to the fullest. From working till midnight in your home office to making sure that I had everything I needed to succeed in life and more. No matter what it was if I needed it you made sure I had it, to the food on the table and the clothes on my back to the wonderful car I have. I also learned to appreciate the standards you set for me to live by, from going to college to making sure that I always did the right thing in any situation I was in.
I owe a debt to both of you that can never be repaid, and after seeing many people that are not as blessed as me to have these types of parents I am even more grateful. Both of you have and continue to help me become the person I am today. I love both of you more than any of these words can ever truly express.
