Mom and Dad,

First of all, thank you. I am now realizing how fortunate I am to have not just one of my parents but both of you in my life since I was born. If I wrote everything I need to thank you for, I would not be able to feel my hands for a week and my article would not be submitted by the deadline. So here is just the top eight and most important things pertaining to the current events in our lives.

Thank YOU:

1. For giving me strict rules and good morals

I got made fun of sometimes, sure, but guess what… I do not mind. I am glad I was different because of the way you both raised me. Those rules and morals you gave Trevor and I have helped shape us into the man and woman we are today and the people we hope you are proud of. Without your strictness, I would have already gotten hungover at a party, and broken promises I made to myself. Even though I told you both I hated you at one time or another (I probably will do it again before I leave because let’s face it, I am a hormonal 18-year-old), please know that I really do not actually mean it other than in the moment. Although some of the young people reading this article will think I am crazy for saying this, they will soon realize that what I say next is exactly true. Thank you for being strict and please do not go soft on me, because if you would have given up and gone soft on me earlier, I would not have accomplished what I have so far

2. For making sure I look good no matter what the occasion

Dance performances, dances, graduation, pictures or any other occasions, even just the normal day at school, you always make sure my outfit, makeup and hair look good on me (even dad does!). I sometimes cannot stand when you fix something but now that you will not be around every day, you can do it as many times as you want.

3. For loving and taking care of me when I look and feel like a swelled up balloon and sick

So many hospital bills, doctor bills, radiology bills, etc. How do you keep on taking care of me when I have caused you so much money and pain. From all the hand-squeezing when I occasionally get scared of shots and blood work, to all of the waiting time at a doctor's offices and clinic lobbies, to the time I ate all of the hospitals popsicles, and the most recent thing - my hangry spell when I went literally off on you mom. Thank you for putting up with everything that comes with me being any amount of sick. I know, I am a big baby but you two always make me feel better in one way or another

4. For giving me a unique name

Even though my cousin’s name is Eric and our family still to this day will mix our names up, who else has a Y instead of an I in their name? Even if you were looking at a medicine bottle when you came up with my spelling, dad, I would not be me if my name was anything other than Eryca. Of course, I am not going to name my kid Eryca but hey, it could possibly be my granddaughter’s name! When I was younger, I did not like my name because people always misspelled it, but now, I have fun and take pride in correcting them on the spelling that you two gave me

5. For giving me life experiences not many other people can have

There have been good life experiences and bad, but I would not change any of them. I am glad we do things as a family and eat dinner together as much as we can. I am so thankful that we got to go to Hawaii just 11 years ago (has it really been that long?). Plus, not many people can say that they have lived in their grandparents’ house, had their grandparents live with them, or had their grandparents’ house attached to theirs by a pass through, right? Well, because of your dedication to showing us that family matters, Trevor and I get to. When we first started with Mema and Papa, Trevor and I were a little bit uncertain about it, but now, at 18 and 15 it was one of the best things to ever happen to us. We have been through a lot but you both have always been there, for the good times and the bad times. If we did not have you both, I am not sure if we would have made it through that and all the other times and trials we have had.

6. For giving us the adventures of moving

I know, most kids are opposed to moving. Guess what, I was too! But now that I have graduated and am leaving home, I am thankful we moved because I made friends both here and in North Augusta and without our move, that would never have happened.

7. For putting me in dance, and helping me stay with it

You put me in dance when I was three years old to help with my balance. From dancing for seven years at Tip Toes and Taps to dancing for three years here in the Maryville area, you all have supported me in whatever costume I wore or whatever style I did. I am so excited to be able to dance in college as a part of the dance team and cannot wait to see what memories we make the next four years.

8. For giving me three of my best friends, you two, and my little brother

If I did not have the three of you in my life, I do not know what I do. In my worst moments, you three are always there whether it is to set me straight or to be a shoulder to cry on. Without moving from North Augusta to Maryville, going to Trevor's baseball games, having mom start working again in 2014, and dad's switch from Home Depot to Lowe's in 2014, I would not have the experience I have and be so used to change. That is why it is hard to leave you all but I am ready to spread my wings and fly because of all you have taught

Without you both, there would not be any of this life, and eighteen years ago, Eryca Anne Henry would have never been born. You made me and you raised me. Thank you for being the best parents ever. I love you.