To the ones who have always been there for me,

As my parents, you have had a big job, on top of the jobs you already had. You had to teach me how to do everything — walk, talk, eat, read — the list goes on and on. You were there when I took my first steps, and when I had my first fall. You were there to comfort me when I cried, and make me laugh when it was most needed. What constantly amazes me is that you did this all with grace and agility. Somehow, growing up, it always seemed to me that you knew all the answers. I could ask you pretty much any question and you would quickly respond. I thought that you guys were the smartest people I had ever, and ever would, meet.

You provided me with the best childhood I ever could have asked for (even though you didn't let me eat the gummy ocean on my 2nd birthday cake). I grew up happy and healthy, and you taught me to be strong, outgoing, and confident. You pushed me to pursue my interests and talents, and to explore and question everything around me. Even when you told me no, it was only to protect me or keep me from doing something that would have ended badly.

Everything that I am is because of the work that you have done for me. You taught me my morals and my rights from my wrongs. You instilled me with beliefs that I still carry to this day. It is because of you that I stand here today as the mature, confident, and intelligent young adult that I am. It's only pretty recently that I really realized just how much you do for me and how much you have given me. You are the most selfless people I have ever met, even to this day. I don't say it enough, but you should know just how much everything you do for me means to me. I will never be able to fully repay you for all that you have done, but I hope that in my life I can make you proud. There are no two people on Earth as important to me as you. I want you to know that even when I get mad at you, I don't really mean what I say because I know you only do everything because it's in my best interest. I love you more than you can ever know, and thank whatever powers that exist every day that I was blessed with two people as wonderful as you as my parents. Thank you. For all that you have done and ever will do for me. For the countless hours you've spent with me. For providing me with a life that is full and happy and amazing. For teaching me almost everything I know. I love you and am forever greatful.

Love,

Your Baby