Thank you for showing me that making my own money and working for myself is far more rewarding than expecting you guys to pay for everything all of the time. I’m thankful for all of the times that you have paid for me in the past, but I’m even more thankful for the times you have looked me in the eye and have told me that if I want something then I need to work for it.

Because of you guys, I know the value of a dollar and I know the importance of working hard. I might only be a cashier right now and I haven’t had any high paying jobs in the past, but it’s something. And at the end of the day, I would rather have something than nothing. The feeling of getting up and going to work makes me feel great and I have you both to thank for that.

You both have shown me my whole life what it looks like to work hard and to do my best. I honestly have the best examples in the world for that. I am at a point in life where I don’t ask for a lot anymore from you guys, but that’s only because I am trying to continue to put all of what you have taught me about working hard into action. I need gas for my car? I want to pay for it. I have bills? I want to pay for that as well. I want new clothes? I need to get up and go to work and save up my money.

I don’t like asking for money or objects from you guys all of the time because as a twenty-year-old, I feel like it’s my responsibility for the most part. I’m at the point in life where your years of wisdom and advice are being used every single day while I’m away at school and it’s time I do things for myself.

I will always be so grateful for when you both visit me and offer to get me groceries or take me out to eat. I will always be grateful for when I come home and dad takes my car in the morning before I even get up and gets me one tank of gas before I head back to school because he wants to. I know you both know that I can manage those expenses on my own but, I’m grateful that you want to do those things for me sometimes. I will always be grateful for the things you both do for me, but just know it’s just that….gratitude. It is never expected or anticipated. I’m not sitting back and thinking to myself, “How can mom and dad benefit me by spending their money on me?” Instead I’m constantly being thankful for the times that you have done certain things for me, but even more thankful for the times you simply just tell me I need to be working for what I want.

Mom and dad, accepting an offer from you guys because you really want to do something for me is one thing, but expecting you guys to pay for everything all of the time is something I don’t believe in.

I know you both will always be here for me and will always help me out if I absolutely need it. Just know that I hope to make you guys proud every day and just know that I am so very thankful that I have you as my parents. You both have taken your time to guide me and teach me throughout my life and I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Love you always and forever.