Dear Parents,

It's your college student. I'm in my second year of college now as a sophomore. You have been "empty-nesters" for two years now, but don't feel like I don't need you anymore. I've been enjoying being at college and being independent, but don't think I don't miss you. During High School, I'll admit that I took you guys for granted. All I wanted was to be independent.

Last year, this independence that I wanted so bad hit me like a shock. I had so many things to figure out. I didn't realize that independence was more than just coming and going when I pleased; it also means that I have to do things on my own now. I was calling constantly to get your help with things like insurance problems or tail lights that went out or things as simple as where soup was in the grocery store. I also found that I wasn't calling just because I needed help but also because I missed you. I missed you a lot. I missed waking up and seeing you both in the morning, even as you teased me for not looking or acting pleasant in the morning. I missed Saturday mornings when we'd wake up late (or rather I would wake up late) and we would have breakfast together. I begrudgingly admit that I even miss what dad would call "quality time" which was really yard work. We would spend hours outside together doing yard work. I now appreciate you so much more and cherish each moment that we do get to spend together. I look back fondly on all of these memories from growing up, and they helped make me the young woman that I am today.

Now almost two full years into college, I have adjusted well and am doing pretty well doing things on my own. This is not completely my own doing though. This is also a product of you raising me to be self-sufficient and guiding me through each step of growing up. Because of this, I am able to do well on my own, but I still need you and always will. I will need your guidance through each new stage of life that comes my way. I will also need you as friends and confidants. You are my go to people to call and rant about my crazy day or tease each other back and forth.

In the past two years of college, I have realized a few things. No matter what stage I enter in life, I will always seek your guidance and support. I also know that I can always come home and I look forward to when I can. No matter what stage I enter in life or how old I become, I will always be your little girl. Lastly, I want to say thank you for all you've done and will continue to do throughout my life.

Love,

Your Daughter