From the time I was born I have been a spit-fire; I came into this world with one eye open and a big grin. I was the one to make my mom and dad parents, and I can only imagine how excited they were. I am sure that when they looked down at me they anticipated all the happy memories we would have together. In that joyous moment, I am sure they were not thinking of all the sass, heartbreak, frustration, and allllllllllll the other things I have brought them the past 19 years. By no means was I a bad child, just stubborn. And headstrong. Independent. Talkative. Pushing the Limits. Go-Getter. Mischievous. I was the child that went 16 mph on the fourwheeler, when they told me the speed limit was 15. Then there was my little brother. My sweet, sweet younger brother. He was always the safer, quieter child growing up. But somehow my parents loved us both the same, even though I know I did not always make that an easy task for them.

So here is a tribute to all the great parents out there - the parents who love their children through their nerdy elementary stages, their skater boy middle school phases, and their "I can do everything by myself" high school attitudes. To the parents who hold their children as they cry, kiss all the "boo boos" away. The ones who are there when their children fall in love, and are there through the high school heartbreaks. The ones who guide their children, and are stern when it is needed. The parents who fill their homes with laughter. The parents who always put their children before themselves. The parents who push their children to believe that they can do anything they set their mind to.

To the moms. The moms, like mine, who come to all the sporting events, proofread every essay, pray for their children, tell their kids "you are not wearing that to school," play board games, take us to the beach, garden, teach us to crave travel, jam out in the car, and teach us the importance of education.

To the dads. The dads who suffer through dance performances, run off boys, play sports in the yard, attend father-daughter dances, go on lunch dates, cook breakfast, protect their families, tell jokes to cheer us up, who tell us we are worthy, watch movies, and take us to church. Dads like that - dad's like mine - rock.

Growing up, I went through so many phases. From always having my nose in a book, to the thick eyeliner in eighth grade, to the stressed out high school version of me, my parents have been by my side through it all. When it was time to pick a college, I knew my parents were heartbroken that I would be six hours away, rather than the two hours we had always anticipated. Yet, the two of them stood behind my decision. They raised me up to be the independent young woman that I am today, and they continue to be my biggest fans even from almost 400 miles away. There are so many things I am thankful for about my parents, but the fact that they equipped me to go out into the world and then sent me out, is truly incredible. That little baby they held in their arms, the five year old who was a DIVA at her Diva Themed birthday, the eight year old who never quit talking, the thirteen year old who didn't know who she wanted to be, all the way up to the 19 year old about to be a sophomore in college, was a challenging child. I know that parenting is not easy, but it's because of them that I am who I am today. They are honestly superheros, and if I grow up to be half the parent they are, I'll be doing something right.

So a big shout out to all of the parents who come close to being as great as mine, thank you. We do not tell you enough how much you mean to us. We may butt heads with you, but we love you guys a lot. Don't forget that you are always needed as a parent, and you are always appreciate for the selfless sacrifices you make day after day.

Love,

your VERY grateful kid