Dear Mom and Dad,

In light of Thanksgiving next week, I’ve been thinking about what I’m most thankful for in my life. As I’ve entered college, I’ve realized how much of a role you have played to get me here. For my entire life, you have let me explore all of my interests, even if it meant sitting through a painful first band concert. I know how exhausting it must have been to cart me all over town to get to band lessons, band concerts, theater performances, dance practice, and even more than that. I sincerely appreciate all that you have done because if I hadn’t had those experiences, I wouldn’t have discovered what I truly love in life.

Thank you for staying up late with me while I finish my homework, encouraging me to continue playing my instrument, giving me advice on anything and everything, and being my best friends. I wouldn’t be sitting in the St. Olaf band today as a freshman, following in my great-grandpa Orville’s footsteps. I wouldn’t be attending St. Olaf if it weren’t for your constant encouragement as I struggled through writing papers, cramming for a chemistry exam, memorizing vocabulary and grammar for Spanish, and even making you quiz me before every test in middle school. Now, I’m following in your footsteps, along with so many other family members, and a college that is a wonderful place to live. I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done to help me along the journey – and I can’t imagine it was easy. I think about you every day in college and all the work you had to do while at St. Olaf, and that’s what sometimes will get me through the day. I know that you both worked so hard to get where you are today – and that is my inspiration. I love you!

Sincerely,

Your Thankful Daughter