Dear Mom and Dad,

First thank you for being my parents, so happy I got stuck with you two. Thank you secondly for having multiple children, it is always a great time. I have grown up with the most amazing people to teach me right from wrong, telling me soda is bad for you, and that candy gives you cavities. I am so grateful to have parents around who wouldn't let me leave the dinner table until my vegetables were gone. I am beyond thankful for allowing me to learn my lessons from my mistakes. When we all go out to dinner, or even eat dinner as a family at the house, phones are away. I was taught to hangout with my siblings and create a family bond. Disregard the fights, the bad grades, the long nights out, sneaking out, coming home hungover, and I still find myself hugging my mom and dad everyday.

It is hard being miles away from you two, let alone my brothers and sisters. Ever since I was a little girl I walked in your sneakers, literally as the shoe was too big. I would have a bad dream, and cry to you in the middle of the night. Middle school came around, I became a teenager, you two became more strict. You taught me the ways of life and the ways of being a young woman. Any situation, any problem I had, you two had a solution. I found myself running to you about my social and personal life more than to my fiends. You two always have the answer, you always know how to comfort me and what to say.

High school came around, and I became a rebel at times while experiencing the high school life, playing sports and applying for college. I received nothing but support throughout my whole four years, and so on. Graduation came, and you guys were so happy to see all the hard work an accomplishments. As we moved into college, we all got older and lived somewhere else half of the year. Sometimes we don't have time in our schedules to talk on the phone so we text instead. The texts can grow shorter at times, and the attitude can rise when stressed. Living in my own house with friends, learning values, respect, bills, food, car and gas, and I have to do it all alone.

I will move back home after college, maybe get a job, move away. The communication with both of you will always be there, even though at times I see people slip through their parents fingers. As I start to grow up I realize I don't crave your attention, or need your permission as I am away at school, but I can't say I don't still need you. I have needed you more and more and more as I grow up.

When I grow up I will become older, have a job, married with kids, a life of my own. I won't be running around the house anymore caring what my siblings are doing or hoping you say I can go out that Friday night. I will be focusing on my kids, hopefully bringing them to see you.

As I grow up i can't slip from your fingers, I can't see or hear from you once or twice a month. Soon I will be all grown up, with no need for childish acts. But, mom and dad you must know one thing. As I start to grow up I will create bonds with my siblings, teach those younger than me that soda is bad, phones are rude, candy gives cavities, and I will teach what you taught me. I will come to you with all my immature adult problems because no matter what I am still your kid, your child, your young adult to have the chance to still scold and love.

As I grow up, I won't want to grow up, because all I want is the moment with you two. I love you and everything you do and continue you to do, we will both grow up and you will still be the main people I need in my life.

Love you Mom and Dad,

T.