Mom and Dad,

I should start by saying that I'm lucky Lindsey was a well-behaved baby so you decided to have a second child. But most importantly, I am beyond lucky to have grown up with such loving parents, and will be forever thankful for the person you have raised me to be.

When my world came crashing down, you taught me that my happiness comes before anything else. You both did everything possible to cheer me up by spending time with me, making me laugh or taking me out for ice cream. It is because of you that I now place my happiness among the utmost important aspects of life, and live each day reminding myself that whatever I do, it has to make me smile.

You worked hard so I could play. Dad, I wish you were home more as I grew up, but I know it was only because you were working as hard as you could to provide me with endless opportunities, and for that I am grateful, and I spent as much time with you as I could anyway. Mom, I came to college as that girl who had never changed her sheets, never done her laundry and could only cook food in the microwave. I am happy I did, because it meant that you did extra the whole time I grew up so I didn't have to.

You never told me no, even when you should have. For instance, when I thought dessert was one of the main food groups, when I insisted it was okay to be on three sports teams and even when I insisted on going to college 1200 miles away, you always said "yes." This has inspired me to try anything at least once, and expand my horizons without fear of anyone telling me I can't or won't succeed.

Thank you for always giving me 110 percent, all hours of the day. Dad, for the late nights I wanted to go eat, insisted there were good deals on Black Friday and needed a friend to watch NHL hockey with. Mom, for the early mornings and middle of the night when I was sick, texted you that I couldn't sleep thereby waking you up, forced you to watch my Netflix show for eight hours straight or forgot my homework and lunch at home. You made yourselves available at the most inconvenient of times to ensure I was happy and healthy.

Living across the country from you for the past three months has been the hardest thing I have ever done, but I wouldn't have had the courage to do without having you as my parents. I am blessed for the opportunity to study and live in Florida, which you provided me, but miss you like crazy! Lucky for me, I get to come home this week; see you soon.

With love,

Your Youngest Daughter