Mom and Dad,
Thank you! I know most parents tend to wonder why this simple phrase is not voiced more often. When two people make the executive decision to become parents, these two people also succumb to certain societal expectations. Parents are usually expected to cater to their children's needs and wants. Because of this expectation, the words "thank you" are never remembered to be said. Since I have realized that I don't say this as often as I should, thank you.
Mom, thank you so much for being my entire universe! I cannot remember a time when you weren't there to support me, motivate me, or love me unconditionally. Whenever I look to the side, you are standing directly next to me. I depend on you for so much! Even now when I am in college, I still depend on you to handle certain affairs. What can I say? I expect so much of you as my mother because you have always been the best mother—you have always been my mother.
I want to thank you for allowing me to be a witness to such a beautiful transition. I have watched you become more confident and more beautiful as the days pass. I love that I can see you smile and laugh more! I don't think you realize, but seeing you smile and laugh makes me so happy. It assures me that you are in a happier place in contrast to where you were years ago. There aren't many words that I can say to you that I have not told you before, but thank you for everything. Thank you for your support, your motivation, your dedication, your strength, your beauty, your smile, your laugh, your endurance, your jokes, and so much more! Thank you for being the best mother you can be to not only me, but to your other three children. Thank you for being the best representation and idol for me. You show me every day what I should do as a future mother, and you teach me ways to be better than what you are. Thank you for it all!
Dad, most people are not lucky enough to have their father play such an important role in their life. I am beyond blessed to have you. I cannot imagine how people with absent fathers feel. You are more the authoritarian parent, whereas mom is the authoritative parent. You demand respect and compliance with no negotiations and no questions asked. You have undeniably set the standard for my future husband. You have shown me what it means to be a man—a real man. You have taught me several things, like failure is never an option, and how sometimes your best may not be good enough. With your guidance, I have learned that I should never be afraid to chase something that may seem out of bounds. You have instilled greatness in me, and you have taught me that I am nothing less than stellar. For that and more, I appreciate you! Thank you for being my father. Thank you for all of the silly times in the morning in the car. Thank you for all of your support, motivation, and dedication. Thank you for working hard to provide for your family. I appreciate you more than words can ever express!
There is no secret that parents make mistakes. No parent is perfect. For all of the mistakes you have made and beat yourself up over, or for all of the mistakes you think you have made (but were never really mistakes to me), you are forgiven, and you are both still loved! I am not a perfect child, and I do not strive to be a perfect child; therefore, I do not expect for you two to be perfect parents. Just as you expect me to be the best I can be, I expect the same from you. In my opinion, you have exceeded that expectation and more. I love you both so much, and I will continue to love you until I am no longer around to love you anymore!
Love always,
Da'Naia
