To my parents,
Growing up, the things I knew changed quite often: I knew Santa always kept watch to make sure I was being good, I knew pink was the best color ever, I knew my friends and I would be close forever, I knew red was definitely the best color, I knew that my friends could be so mean to me and I knew Santa wasn’t actually real. However, there was one thing that I always knew then and I still know now: that you love and support me.
Childhood is never entirely smooth sailing, especially when adolescence sets in. Children can be incredibly mean to each other, which was something that I experienced firsthand. Every time I came home from school crying after a bad day, you were always there for me to lift me up when I was down.
As I grew up, you were always very vocal in assuring me that no matter what, I was loved and supported. I never had to doubt that you cared so deeply about me and that you wanted what was best for me; even when we disagreed with each other or got into an argument, I never once doubted that you love me.
The older I’ve gotten the more I realize that I have been incredibly fortunate to have parents like you. Not only have I never had to doubt your love for me, but I also know that you support whatever I chose to do: from my early interest in photography to my decision to attend school far from home, you have never failed to stay involved and enthusiastic.
Even after I’ve left for college, you have continued to show your love and support for me by checking in on me when you can, sending me anything I need from home, and even making the trip down to see me when you can. Although there is only so much a parent can do for a student while they are away at college, you do all you possibly can for me.
As I get to know other people my age and learn how differently they were raised, the more thankful I am to have been given parents like you. You stayed involved enough in my life to always be able to support me and cheer me on in all that I do, yet you gave me enough freedom to make my own decisions; you never discouraged me from pursuing what I love or made me feel like I should change who I am as a person. I cannot imagine having to go through life with parents who don’t support me as you do, although I know that many people do.
I know there are times when I probably drive you crazy; I know we don’t always see eye-to-eye and there are times when my forgetfulness or carelessness gets the best of me. Regardless of all of this, you still remind me that the person that I am is just enough – that I don’t ever have to be more than I am in order to earn your love and support. Every time I promise to make you proud, you assure me that I already have made you so proud.
I know I don’t say it enough, but there is no way that I could be the person today without you; I know that I am not always very good about showing you just how much I appreciate all that you do for me. I promise you that all that you have done for me and continue to do for me has not been overlooked, and I am eternally grateful for every single thing you have ever done for me – big or small. I know I can never repay you for all that you have done for me, but I hope one day to be as good of a parent as you have been to me.
With love always,
The child you raised who has now grown enough to see just how amazing you are.
