I know it wasn’t easy, and I know that it required a lot of dedication. You worked endless hours just to make sure I had enough, and to make sure I could do all of the amazing things I have done so far. You as a parent don’t get to choose how exactly we turn out, but you do get to influence it as much as possible.
Thank you for raising me the way you did. I wasn’t an easy child, but I also know I wasn’t the most difficult. However, through the ups and downs, you kept going and got me to where I am now. There are many things I do each day that I wouldn’t do if I was raised differently. For instance, holding the door when someone is coming in behind me… You could have taught me to just let it shut, but you didn’t. You have raised me to give and recognize respect, and to always apologize if I’ve done something wrong. You have taught me that you can’t always have your way (no matter how bad you want it), and to accept the word “no.”
I admire the things I have learned from you, Mom and Dad. You have shown me that love has no limits, and no matter how great it is, you will still have to work for it. Similarly in life, you do so many great things within a lifetime, but you have to work for them. Thank you for raising me with that mindset. You taught me when I was young that everyone has feelings, and you need to be careful with those feelings. You taught me that everyone you meet has a different struggle, and you also taught me to help those people deal with even the smallest parts of those struggles. You have taught me to recognize compassion, and with that, I have become a very compassionate person.
As parents, you deserve more thanks than I could give in a lifetime. You deserve thanks for all the diapers you’ve changed, all the cuts you’ve bandaged and all the tears you’ve wiped away. And with that, you deserve to know that I am thankful for you each and every day. You have taught me that this world is delicate, like sugar. It can crumble so easily, but you should never be afraid to stick your tongue out and taste it. You have given up many aspects of your life in order to help me thrive in mine, and have expected nothing in return (except maybe a hug or two).
I am so lucky to have been raised by you, and I could never ask for better parents. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for me, and always remember that I love you.
