Family is such an important aspect of life. They are there for us when no one else is, they provide for us when we are incapable of doing so, and they will unconditionally love us. I just want to take a moment to honor all of the hard working mothers and fathers out there in the world who live to give their children a life that they as parents never had. I am 23 years old currently, and with each day I understand more just how much my parents have sacrificed for me to be able to do the things I do.

Growing up I was rarely told no and I never went without. Looking back on my childhood, all I can remember is the love and protection my parents gave me through it all. As a child, I never understood that when I asked for a new toy, my parents might have been trying to buy something for themselves but would instead buy me whatever I wanted, without hesitation or complaint. Or if I was ever hungry they would give me their food. While these are merely material things, their real love shined through on those stormy nights when I did not want to sleep alone or I was afraid of the monsters in our house and they would protect me.

I believe parents who make it through their kid’s teenage years in one (mentally stable) piece are the real MVPs. Our personalities are starting to really developing and we begin to find ourselves, and our attitudes. Even through all my sarcastic and back talk to my parents, all they ever wanted was to spend time with me. We all know being chosen second feels terrible, and our parents get chosen second by us daily, because we think our friends and social life are more important.

I want to give one last shout out to parents who have managed to fill both roles of father and mother. While it is obviously not the most ideal situation, you do it for your children. Everything, and I mean everything a parent does is for their children; and I will never be able to thank my parents enough or show them how grateful I am. You can never tell your parents that you love them enough. Thank you so much mom and dad for being my number one fans, biggest supporters, and my absolute best friends. I love you to the moon and back.