Dear Mom and Dad,
I'm sure you remember it like it was yesterday, I know I sure do. It was about 8 or 9 months ago when you dropped me off at college. We were all scared. Neither of you knew how I'd do on my own, or how your life would change once I was gone. I like to think that you were super confident in my ability to survive on my own, but we both know that's not the case. At the same time I'm sure you'd like to think that I was confident in your ability to survive as empty-nesters, but to be honest, I wasn't. So now that the year is over and we're getting ready to live together again, here's a few things I want you to know.
1. We've both changed.
Even though we talked almost every day, things are different than when I left last August. People always say you change a lot in college, and I know I've changed, even if I can't exactly put my finger on what that change was, or when it happened. This isn't a one-way street, though, you've changed too. A year ago I think it's safe to say that your life pretty much revolved around me being home. Between graduation, graduation parties and college, a lot of your time was dedicated to...well...me. This has changed while I've been at college. You've started to focus more on what interests you, and I'm so proud of you. I don't want this to change when I'm home, though. You and I have both changed the way we operate and that's okay.
2. My sleep schedule is messed up.
Alright besides the time zone difference, my sleep schedule is whacked out. I know I have to fix it for work, but don't be surprised if the first few days (or weekends) I just sleep for what seems like forever. This isn't because I'm lazy, or don't want to see you, it's because for the past few weeks I've been getting less than desirable amounts of sleep because of exams, papers, projects, presentations....etc. I promise I'm not sleeping to avoid you or avoid the day, I'm sleeping to avoid the exhaustion.
3. I'm used to being an adult.
I'm not saying I don't need you, and I'm definitely saying I don't appreciate all the "adult" things you do for me. What I am saying is that I'm used to making my own rules, and living under my own roof. I don't want you to think that I'm just going to go crazy and not follow any of your rules when I'm at home, but forgive any of the things I forget as I adjust back to your rules. I'm also not used to having to report my every movement to anyone, so again, I apologize if I forget to text you when I go somewhere, or if I forget to tell you my whole plan before I go out with friends.
4. I missed my friends.
Family time is important, I'm not denying that, but I missed my friends too. I don't want you thinking that I love them more than I love you if it seems like I spend every weekend out of the house. These people changed my life in high school, and I've just had to go a whole school year without them. While being home means that I get to spend more time with you, it also means I get to spend more time with them. I hope you don't take it the wrong way and don't be afraid to talk to me if you think I'm spending too much time away from you two.
5. I'm glad to be home.
Through all of this, you have no idea how glad I am to be home. It's not just because of my friends, the lack of homework, the lack of school in general, and the sleep I'm going to get, it's because of you guys. You have been there for me since the beginning (quite literally) and have always had my back. Coming back home and being back in that environment is really exciting. Getting some home cooking, sleeping in my own bed and just having family around is one of the things I'm looking forward to most this summer.
See you soon!
Your Daughter
