Dear Mom and Dad,
I know this time is really hard on us both. We've been living under the same roof for almost 19 years and now suddenly I am living 118 miles away, paying bills and living in an apartment all on my own (and with my three other roommates). I know that I'm prepared though because you taught me so well. All my life you have been passing down your knowledge to me to help make me a better person. Those lectures ... I mean "talks" that you gave me about how to prepare myself for the real world really did help, even if you thought I wasn't listening. I listened to every word, even when the talk never seemed to end. I'm ready to face this new journey and I have you both to thank for everything.
From the start of my life, you've both been there by my side, from me being terrified to take my training wheels off my bike, to being there for me as I walked the stage at high school graduation. Anytime I cried over a dumb boy, or when I fought with my friends, you were my shoulder to cry on. All those stupid obsessions over television shows or musicians I had
You were there for my awkward phase in middle school to my awkward high school phase and now my awkward college phase, you've always been there, and I know you always will be. I know that raising me, was not an easy task (or a cheap one), but you did one dang good job.
A lot of people aren't as lucky as I am; you have both always allowed me to be who I want. You never forced me to be what you envisioned I should be, or follow any path, other than the one I wanted. You left me room to grow and find out who I wanted to be and what I wanted out of life. I am my own person and you always encouraged me to be. You supported me when I was six-years-old and wanted to become a famous singer and you support me now, all the same, as I enter college, confused on what I want to do with my life.
As I look back over the past 18 years, I remember all the great memories we share: There was that time Dad made tacos and they were so spicy that no one could eat them, besides maybe grandpa. Or the time that Mom flipped the canoe and made everyone in the family afraid of canoeing. There are tons of memories that I will always remember on days when it feels like I'm too far away from home.
I couldn't have asked for a better teachers to prepare me for real life because it sure has approached quickly. I know that the road ahead of me isn't going to be an easy one, but I also know that you're only a phone call away anytime I need you. I know the distance between us is going to be rough to get used to, but there will never be enough distance to keep me from being your little girl. I never did say it enough, but thank you both for everything. I love you to the moon and back.
Love,
Your Little Girl
