Dear Parent,

Once upon a time there were things you taught me. You taught me them so long ago. Words of wisdom and selfless acts that I was too unaware, too innocent, and too young to know. I was too caught up within the clouds of childhood to recognize their significance and you knew this, but you continued modeling your lesson for me anyway. You knew I was not yet ready to comprehend these lessons, yet that, in time, they would be a part of me.

You told me to never forget to keep your word to others no matter how difficult it may seem.

You told me the importance of listening — to listen, to understand and to not respond.

You told me to always place myself in the perspective of others no matter how hard it was.

You demonstrated the importance of helping my fellow neighbors, doing the right things by them even when I resisted.

You showed me the power of trust, kindness, support, and love

And when the other half of you left so suddenly, so unexpectedly, I saw the defeat in your eyes and the weight of the world come crashing down upon your back. Your eyes expressed that you failed yourself, the other half, and your children. It was at this moment that I realized that it was not just my world crashing down upon me, but it was your world as well.

You did not retreat from the principle you taught me despite the increased stressed and heartbreak you felt. You remained true to your teachings and continued to be you.

In their absence, you raised me despite your struggle to accommodate two roles. You worked to provide me with meals and with a home. You nurtured to provide me with unconditional love and support.

You only wanted what was best for me. You pushed me through school, you pushed me to find myself, and you pushed me to defy the odds. You helped me overcome the broken nature of our home.

Without you there, without the tireless hours you put into two jobs, without the hours you continued to stay awake despite being dead tired, I would not be who I am today. I would not be here following my heart and succeeding in my endeavors if not for you. Life’s obstacles taught us valuable lessons and brought us closer in time. I would not trade that for anything in the world because I am proud of who I have become and I hope I make you proud.

Although I may have reminisced for better times as I grew up, I knew that it may have been broken once but together we were stronger and we were the best family I could have ever asked for. Do not feel defeated because you succeeded in my eyes.

Thank you for teaching me not only the values in life, but also how to find myself. Thank you for exposing me to the music of The Beatles and to the music of The Monroe’s. You lead me to find passion in music. Thank you for engaging in long discussion with me and answering all my questions whether they be silly or intellectual. No matter how tired you were coming home from two jobs you still made time. Thank you for showing me the culture in film and theatre. It broadened my horizons and self. Thank you for providing for me in health and love. Without it, I would not be who I am today.

Thank you for being you.

Once upon a time there were things you taught me. It feels so long ago. Never have I ever forgot them and I never will. I will remember the principles of life you showed me and will embody them every day. I will cherish what I can remember from you humming “Under My Thumb” to me so I could fall asleep in infancy. And those times I was in angst where you were driving around listening to the radio in adolescence. I will remember the good and embody the principles you taught me.

I am proud of you.

I love you.

Sincerely

Your Child