I originally wanted to write this next article about traveling. As I sat to brainstorm, I realized that all my experiences, as they are amazing, would have never happened if it were not for my parents. They have always made it a priority for my sister and me to see the world and understand that differences are what make the world go round. I think that being exposed to different cultures and landscapes when I was younger opened my mind to much bigger ideas. I want to thank my parents for that. With that said, I wanted to take the time to thank them for everything else they have done because I don’t say it enough.
To my parents who have taught me so much, thank you. Thank you for supporting me in the decisions I make and not stopping me from following my dreams. Thank you for holding me during the times I cried. Thank you for hugging me to show me you were proud. Thank you for telling me no when you knew it was not in my best interest. Thank you for spending hours talking to me about life and making me feel secure. Thank you for the packages you send while I am three hours away at school and also driving to see me there. Thank you for the time you spent sitting in the most uncomfortable bleachers to cheer me on, even when I played horribly. Thank you for trying to make it to all those games by postponing your own schedule. Thank you for teaching me what lessons to take away from sports because they won’t be there forever. Thank you for teaching the importance of practice, patience and persistence in any endeavor I take on. Thank you for always taking me to church. Thank you for preaching about faith and the messages that God has for us. Thank you for making sure I had not only the necessities for my childhood but also the toys and the things I did not need. Thank you for cooking meals and the ice cream runs for fun. Thank you for saying, “Kill people with kindness,” because being kind brings an open door. Thank you for the summers full of sunburns, sleepovers and vacations. Thank you for the pets I begged for but poorly kept my promises to take care of absolutely everything they did. Thank you for being a part of PTO for school and coaching little league (even though I thought it was so embarrassing at the time). Thank you for wanting to be involved in my life. Thank you for the shopping trips, because retail therapy with mom always solves the problem. Thank you for the extra push to force me out of my comfort zone. Thank you for giving me what you wanted in your childhood, but couldn’t have. Thank you for the cheek kisses when we say goodbye. Thank you for the texts just to check on me. Most importantly, thank you for the life you have given me.
This letter doesn't even cover half of what all you have done. I appreciate every little thing.
I love you. Thank you.
