I'll be the first one to admit that I think I can take on the world. Most days I can handle everything, but I do have the terrible habit of letting everything get out of hand and holding it together until I explode like an overinflated balloon. I've learned over the years that I don't give enough credit to the people who have stood by through whatever to pick me back up when I fall. This one is for my parents and what I never told you.

I never told you how much I appreciate everything you have done for me. Whether it's been driving me around to all my volleyball practices, the mall or movies with my friends, or just wherever I wanted to go, you always did it. You've always picked me up when I'm down, pushed me to be the very best that I can be in school and life in general all while trying to lead your own lives. Parents are the true every day superheroes, they never ask for anything in return, yet they take care of everyone else just because they want to.

I never told you how much I still need you. No matter how old I get or how far I go, I will always need you guys. I think the problem with young people today is that they are too afraid to admit that they still need their parents. Maybe it's the whole "I'm an adult and independent now and if I show weakness then I'm not as grown-up as everyone else" mentality, or maybe they just don't realize how much they do actually need them until it's too late. I will always cherish the time I spend with you both because the memories and traditions we made together will always stay with me even after I leave.

I never told you how much I miss you when I'm away. Yeah it's nice to be on your own and have your own space, but it does get lonely. I probably feel homesick about 3 days of the week while I'm at school. I'm grateful that I brought pictures to help somewhat with the fact that I can't just walk upstairs and hug both of you. I may be older now, but I wish you were with me always so I could just feel the comfort of seeing your faces and feeling the safety of having you with me.

I never told you how much your support means to me. I've fallen on my face more times than I can count, but no matter what I did, or how mad you got at me, you never gave up. When I told you I felt broken and I was depressed, you took me seriously and since then have kept making sure I'm okay. In today's world where some people don't get that same treatment of being taken seriously or gotten support and/or help, it's truly a blessing to have you guys as my parents.