As a sophomore in college, it is crazy to think that I have lived outside of my parent's home going on two years now. I remember moving out as a freshman and being so ready to live on my own (or as "on my own" as I could with a roommate). I had lived with my parents my whole life so moving out felt like a fresh start and an adventure I could not wait to go on. This year, I was still more than excited to see all my friends and move back onto my campus, but it finally hit me how much I appreciate my parents in general.

Growing up, you don't always realize how much they do for you. They basically kept you alive with food, shelter, a doctor to go to and all the inbetweens, but they also provided so much more. They helped you remember your worth after sitting the bench that one soccer game or not getting a call-back after that one interview. They ran to the store to get 7-Up soda and sodium crackers that night you were a sick mess. They are the ones who broadened your mind about the world around you when they took you on all those vacations (even if they did make you go to all the stuffy museums along the way). They were the ones proof-reading every. single. paper. that you ever wrote. They are the ones who surprised you with little gifts of things they think you'd like simply because they wanted to. The list could go on, and trust me it does, but your parents provide you with so much more than you may realize.

It's crazy because I definitely did appreciate my parents before I came to college, but not the way I do now. In high school, I knew I relied on them for money and all those things, but after being away, you realize how they impact your life in so many more ways.

After a rough first week of classes, I received a simple card in the mail from my parents. It said, "Have a great first week, Lillian! We love you! Mom + Dad," and included a magnet with the bible verse, "The Lord will work out his plans for my life. Your love, O Lord, endures forever," Psalm 138:8. It was a simple message, but meant so much more when I realized how I would be no where near the place I am today without the love and support I receive from my parents. They taught me how to love, how to work for myself and how to never stop growing. I honestly don't think I could be any more blessed.

Before I get too sappy, but what I'm trying to say is, appreciate your parents. Appreciate the big things they do for you, like support you in your higher education. Appreciate the little things they do for you, like sending you a card with a magnet. You always have your parent's love to fall back on, and that is something that should always be valued.