Dear Mom and Dad,

It’s only since I’ve come to college that I’ve realized how much I took living at home for granted. I miss having my own carpeted room that doesn’t have gloomy cinderblock glaring at me as I go to sleep. I miss air-conditioning, knowing my way around the neighborhood, and not having to wear flip-flops in the shower. I miss hugging our cats! Most of all, though, I miss the two of you.

There are days where I really do feel the emptiness of not being surrounded by that unconditional love. In high school, bad days full of drama were always bookended by your support. Even if I chose not to discuss what was going on, I had a place to return to with people who would accept and appreciate me no matter the circumstance. Bad days in college are a little bit different. I’ve made some wonderful friends for sure, but nobody quite knows me and my mind like the people who raised me.

I’d like to apologize for not appreciating my family as much as I probably should have when I lived at home.

Mom, I’m sorry for those times I complained about dinner. JMU does rank fifth best in the nation for dining, and I love me some buffalo bites from PC Dukes, but nothing beats a meal that was cooked out of love and concern for my well-being. And Dad, I do miss having the faint drone of your military documentaries in the background as I went about my day at home, despite how much I used to roll my eyes. Today I had to watch a program on the crisis in North Korea. It was interesting, and I wished you could have been there to discuss it with me.

In addition to my apology, I owe you a thank you.

The other day I was thinking about how lucky I was to have had parents who raised me right.

You taught me the importance of being financially responsible.

I know how to distinguish between purchases I need and purchases I want (even if another pair of boots is tempting), and the “go out and go broke” attitude that seems to be rather popular currently just doesn’t appeal to me.

You taught me how important it is to be kind to others and to give them the benefit of the doubt.

You taught me to avoid skipping classes and to take school more seriously than that extra hour of sleep in the morning.

All of this teaching you did with grace and intelligence, and I don’t want you to ever doubt that.

We don’t agree on everything — if we did, it wouldn’t be normal. I still do stupid things because I’m only 18 and there’s no way I can know how to do everything right. I’m growing up, discovering myself, and making plenty of mistakes along the way. All I can do is thank you for being so wonderful to me throughout the years and for providing a foundation for my madness. If I ever become half the parents you are, I would be honored.

Love,

Abigail