People are often asked to think about things they are most thankful for; there have been times in my life where I felt it was impossible to give a simple response to something that is so impacting on my life. I was blessed with so much in my life it was hard to narrow everything down, but one day it hit me that if it weren’t for my parents I probably would not have everything I have today.

Dear Mom and Dad,

Looking back to my days in high school when I didn’t understand why you were being “so unfair,” or “just didn’t understand,” I understand what y’all were doing now. You were teaching me how to be a hard worker, showing me not everything in life works out the way you always want it to go, and teaching me how to be a good and reliable friend. Now that I am being a “big girl” and attempting to conquer life, little things will make me realize it is because of you I am the person I am today. Yes, I know it’s a corny thing to say, but I am proud of who I am and I can’t take all the credit for that!

I have watched the two of you do so many amazing things in the life y’all have together. Making the decision to leave everything you have known and start a new life at a place y’all have always dreamt to live. If it weren’t for that leap of faith, my life wouldn’t be the way it is.

I am so grateful for how I grew up. Living on a lake has been one of my favorite things about my life so far. In my opinion, I have some pretty amazing and unique memories that will always be cherished. I watched the both of y’all start two businesses from scratch.

Dad, you were able to create a business that is going 13 years strong. When we first moved and you started your business no one knew who you were, but you worked hard and proved to the community how capable and awesome you are at what you do. The determination and courage the two of you have is something I strive to have as well.

Through hard times and loss, our family could have hung our heads and questioned, “Why us?” but y’all stayed strong and looked at only the positive. Those obstacles helped me to realize sometimes in life, you encounter a bump in the road, but with strong faith and a positive mind, it will be overcome. It made me realize what really matters in life.

I see a lot of myself in the two of you. Both of your caring and giving qualities; y’all always went out of your way to do something for a person, no matter how inconvenient it might have been. I defiantly have some of dad's stubbornness, which can be for the better! Mom, you always have had the capability to be understanding in many situations and I learned how to be that way through you.

So, with all of that said, I am thankful for two parents who have shown me how to go through life like a boss and stay determined as I prepare for my future. Y’all have made me strong, independent, caring, powerful, and I feel inspired to work hard every day. You two gave me a life I am so grateful for and I hope as a grow I can become the people y'all are today.