Dear Mommy and Daddy,

All too often I take you for granted. I forget to thank you for all that you do. I forget to tell you how much you mean to me.

So, I'll say it now. Thank you.

Thank you for loving me unconditionally. I know I haven't always been a perfect little angel, and I take full responsibility for all those gray hairs that have appeared throughout the years. No matter what, you've always loved me, and I know you always will.

Thank you for staying up late with me while I stressed about homework and projects in middle school, even though it was my fault for procrastinating.Thank you for taking time off work to take

care of me when I was sick, or to bring me my essay that I accidentally left on the printer. You stopped everything you were doing, no matter how important it was, to take care of me. I am so grateful.

Thank you for listening to me. I know that listening to me talk could probably be an olympic sport, but I like to keep you updated on my life (literally every detail). It's nice to have parents who take the time to listen to me, even though I tend to ramble.

Thank you for all the sacrifices you made for me. Girls cost a lot of money with clothes, makeup, cheerleading, formal gowns, etc. You continue to give me more than I deserve even though it means sacrificing your own desires. I'm spoiled to have parents like you.

Thank you for demonstrating discipline. You made me suffer the consequences of my actions and that helped me so much in the long run by teaching me to make wise decisions. I recognize that the way I was raised played a major role in shaping me into the person I am today.

Of course, I try to please you in everything I do. I want you to be proud of the choices I make. However, thank you for teaching me that my most important goal is not to please you, but to please God. I know I should honor God before man. Because of this, I have full confidence that I will make the right choices as I begin to creep into adulthood and experience the real, unfiltered world for the first time. I am not scared of the temptations I will face, because I know I have God by my side. I also know I am not perfect: never have been and never will be. I will make mistakes and fall short of His glory. But, thanks to you, Mommy and Daddy, I know about Jesus, and I know that I am saved. I know that I not only have the both of you, but also a Heavenly Father to run to in times of desperation, sorrow, joy, and excitement.

You are two of the biggest blessings God has placed in my life, and I love you both so much. I hope that one day I will be able to raise my children with the same love and grace in which you raised me.

I love you to the moon and back,

Your Daughter