Whether it is for college, your job, or just because you turned 18, moving out of your parents house is very bittersweet. After (barely) surviving on my own for 6 months, I just wanted to thank my parents. For the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Going away for college sounded so good when I was 16. I didn't want a curfew, or house rules, or to answer to anybody. I really took for granted everything that came with living at home. I just want to thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me. I wouldn't have survived the past 6 months without you- emotionally, physically and financially.

There is nothing better than coming back home. I took for granted having my dishes and laundry done. I also took for granted the fridge stocking itself, or so I thought. Eating 6 months worth of cafeteria food and Wendy’s 4 for 4’s, I just want to say that I miss your beef and noodles, mom. And leftovers are greater than anything I could ever buy in the cafeteria, so I appreciate when you send those back to school with me.

You may think that I don't miss you because I don't call every day, but I am very busy and call you as soon as I can. I cherish telling you about my day and you are the easiest people to talk to, about whatever I need to talk about. I appreciate you giving me time at any hour, whenever I need you. I actually need you more than I call but I also try to figure things out on my own. I still need you to tell me what medicine I can take and how I should handle my managers, but I often find myself googling things you would know the answer to. Getting a FaceTime call from you is the best surprise I could ask for nowadays. I love seeing you guys even if it's just a video call. Mom, when I call you I know I can say one persons name and you will remember everything and let me rant and give me advice on what to do, I can call you in the grocery store and you will tell me I’m paying too much for bananas, and I can always count on you to give me the best advice and sometimes even a lecture, which I enjoy more than I used to. Dad, calling you will always make me laugh or smile, I love your jokes and hearing about whats going on at your job. Also Snapchats from you make me laugh and pick me up when I need them the most. You guys always know what how to make my day and I hope what I tell you I am doing makes you happy and proud of me.

I'm thankful that in my case, moving away made us closer, and although we may not have agreed on everything when I was growing up I am so thankful that you raised me the way you did. You two are in the back of my head with every single decision I make. Mom and Dad, you are very determined people and I am so thankful you instilled those values in me. You taught me so many lessons and you prepared me for the real world. I’m sorry for the fights and disagreements over the past 18 years and I wish I could go back and change it and just enjoy the time I had with you then because today I would do anything to spend just a few days at home. I miss you guys more than I tell you and when I am able to come home I count down the days with much excitement.

Thank you guys for everything you've ever done, everything that I have never given you credit for. You truly were the best parents I could’ve asked for. And I wouldn't have turned out to be so successful and motivated if it weren't for you two standing behind me. So, thank you and I love you guys and miss you so much.

Can’t wait to come home this weekend.

Love,

Your forever grateful daughter.