To my parents, after I have officially left the nest for the semester,

I just want to throw out the biggest thank you I can possibly give to you for being patient and supportive of me through this time of my life. I know it can't be easy sending me hundreds of thousands of miles away while you pray that I come home at least once each month for a quick visit, even if it's only for a day. I know that this has to be taxing on you, undoubtedly, just as it is for me to be so far away from you and my childhood home. Yet, no matter how far I seem to go, you're always there to encourage me forward in life. So, in honor of your support, I have a couple of thank-you's to give you that have been long overdue.

Thank you for picking up the phone when I only call about twice a month, and usually only if I need something immediately rather than to merely sit down and chit-chat with you. I can only imagine what it must be like to sit near the phone and wait for me to call when you know that I should have at least five minutes throughout my day to just have a quick conversation with you, not involving you adding money to my card or when my next doctor's appointment is scheduled in the next few weeks. I greatly appreciate the fact that you accept how intensely packed my schedule is on a daily basis, and that you wait for me to contact you so that you won't be getting in my way, even though you would never become a nuisance to me. I hope you know that I am always a phone call away, just as you are for me.

Thank you for supporting my major in college, even when my future has seemed somewhat questionable. You've seen the statistics and you've heard the lectures about how dangerous of a path I am trekking down from family friends or colleagues or from that article you happened to read when scrolling through the internet, but you never let your support fail me or my future. You have always been there to catch me if I ever begin to doubt myself or my abilities, and I can't begin to explain how grateful I am for your encouragement. I wouldn't be pursuing my dreams if it weren't for you being there every step of the way along with me.

Most of all, thank you for being my parents. There may be times when I'm out doing my own thing and casting my own marks upon the world, but the lessons I have learned through you have taught me how to be the adult I am gradually becoming each day with your support and guidance along this journey I am venturing. No one does this parenting thing better than you, and I wouldn't have wanted anyone else to raise me than you.

Sincerely,

Your baby bird learning how to fly