Dear mom and dad:

I know I don't really tell you often, and I know you think you are under appreciated, but I would be lost without both of you. I know it wasn't easy raising me, and I know sometimes I could make you both so frustrated and for that I am sorry, but thank you for always being there for me. Thank you both for never giving up on me, and thank you for always wanting what's best for me.

I just wanted to write you both a few words to express my gratitude and tell you how lucky I am to be your daughter.

I know having parents who are divorced could be hard on the kids, but you both managed to raise my sister and I without any doubt or insecurities and always made us feel loved, and for that I thank you.

I was never one of those kids who "hated" their parents. Sure me and mom got into arguments, but I always got over it. I slowly learned to control my tongue and temper, and for that I thank you.

Thank you both for raising me to have morals and standards. Thank you for teaching me right from wrong, and thank you for giving me enough confidence that I don't have to conform like a stereotypical twenty-something who is out every weekend having nights they won't remember.

And thank you for not freaking out when I would roll home at four in the morning with Rachel being a stupid teenager who would go to the local club just to get dressed up and dance.

I know you are tired after working all day, but thank you, mom, for cooking me a warm meal every night.

Thank you, dad, for being so protective over me and worrying over me when I call you crying over the dumbest things, and thank you for listening.

Thank you, mom, for still doing my laundry and making sure my work shirts are always clean.

Thank you, dad, for always giving me that financial boost when I need it, and thank you for never complaining about it.

Thank you, mom, for always being so goofy. You don't do it on purpose, but it's a cute characteristic.

Thank you, dad, for always taking me on vacation.

Thank you, mom, for always taking care of me when I'm sick.

Thank you both for always coming to watch my dance recitals, plays, and band concerts. And thank you, mom, for never missing a football game when I was a majorette and for always sitting on the 50-yard line so I could find you in the crowd when I would be dancing (dad lived in Georgia during this time, but always came to at least one game a year).

Thank you, dad for helping me move to Florida, and thank you for helping me move back home. I really appreciate the time you spent with me and will always cherish that bonding experience between us.

Thank you for always listening to my radio show and reading my writing.

Thank you for being supportive in my goals and dreams.

I could go on and on about how much I appreciate you, but I just want you both to know that I can't thank you enough for making me be the strong, independent woman I am today. I hope to one day have children that look up to me the way I look up to the both of you. Your time dedicated to me doesn't go unnoticed, and for that I thank you.