Dear Mom and Dad,
I'm alive; just figured I'd keep you updated.
I know that since I've been away at college, we haven't been able to spend as much time together as we used to. We don't see each other every day after school and work. We don't have dinner together every night, sharing our days' experiences and learning from each other. I want you to know that I miss that just as much as you do, and I love when I'm able to come home and have those times again. But I also want you to know some other stuff.
I've learned so much from you as parents, as professionals, and as people. You did your jobs right, and I hope that you know that. We all need a little confidence boost every once in awhile, and this is me, giving you yours. You're awesome parents, and I don't think there are enough words in the English language to really convey how awesome you really are. But I'm gonna try.
My entire childhood, from the moment I was born (thanks Mom, you did great!) to the moment you left me in my dorm room for the first time freshman year of college, you have been preparing me for one thing: success. It's because of you that I am where I am, that I've made it this far, and that I'll be going where I'm going. It's the things that I've learned from you in all those 18 years, and I still do today, that will make me the successful, competent adult you want to see in me. So I want to thank you for that.
But there's another thing that you need to know, while I've got your attention. You'll always be my parents, and I'll always love and appreciate everything you do for me. However, I'm an adult now, and I have to make decisions, good and bad, on my own. It's my time to go out into this great big, beautiful world and leave my mark. I'll definitely make some mistakes along the way, and that's fine -- I promise they won't be too big. But more than mistakes, I'll be making progress. And some day, while sailing on a solid gold yacht in the Caribbean, we'll look back on the mistakes I made and laugh about them.
I know that you've devoted your lives to making sure my brothers and I have the best opportunities you could possibly give us. That doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated at all. But kids and young adults don't really know how to show that appreciation, because we don't really even understand it. So this is for all those parents out there, especially my own. We appreciate what you do. We thank you for all the hours you put into your work just to make ends meet, we notice the stress we sometimes put you through, the moments we cause you to wanna pull your hair out and scream, but most of all, we know that you love us unconditionally. We love you unconditionally too. And although we don't say it enough, although we don't even call you as much as you'd like, it doesn't make it any less true.
So thank you, Mom and Dad. Thank you for everything you've done for me and my brothers, thank you for your unconditional love and support, and thank you for understanding that I'm only still learning how to be an adult. You guys are the best parents I could ever imagine having, and I want you to know that.
By the way, I need money for food. And I got a speeding ticket yesterday. Sorry.
Love,
Your son away at college.
