A thankful reminder to the parents or parental figures throughout your life.
My freshman year of college – I remember when it was time for me to say goodbye to my parents as they left me in my dorm. I fought back the tears as I hugged my mom and dad goodbye. I remember them giving me a blessing, and then driving off, headed home. Naturally, I went back into my dorm room and bawled my eyes out. Even though I chose to move away for college, I still felt abandoned. But little did I know, that on their way home, their pain was 10 times worse. I remember them telling me that as they drove home, all of my favorite songs played on my radio. They got home to the same old house I had grown up in for over a decade, but now one bedroom was empty. They told me as they walked up the stairs and passed by my room, it was one of the worst sights to see, because it was now nothing but a bed -- the liveliness that used to fill that room was now gone. And even though I wasn’t gone forever, I had moved away and would no longer be waking up in that very bed every morning. That night, both my parents went to my room to lay down on that empty bed for a while. Regardless, they will always be a part of my life no matter where I will be. I have realized that I have let so many years pass in my lifetime taking the love my parents have for me for granted. So this is a thank you to my parents for all that you have done for me throughout my life.
They struggle through those terrible teens and mood swings. As for me, those mood swings don’t go away. When we are in pain, they struggle through the pain with us. Most of the time they struggle without us even knowing, and that’s when we need to open our eyes, and say thank you for the unconditional love you give us, without us even knowing it. I am appreciative of all the struggles you have endured in order to make me happy.
They fight with us or for us. There is no in between. They’ll scold, and we'll argue. But they’re always right, and we are usually in the wrong. So thank you for scolding me when I was in the wrong and didn’t know any better. Thanks for making sure that I made the right choices. I accept the fact that you are right all of the time, because if you didn’t fight for me to succeed, then I wouldn’t fight for myself to succeed.
They support us. In college, I realized that my parents are easily my biggest supporters ever. Mistakes will be made over and over again and you will fall down, hard; or sometimes the effects of the real world will hit you in the face, and there will be a wall blocking you from moving forward. However, your parents will be there to help you tear down that wall, so you can move keep on going. Regardless, if it is a change in majors or a mistake you made. Be prepared for a lecture, but thank you for your support through thick and thin. I appreciate your nightly prayers, and daily thoughts about me. You have been my shoulder to cry on when life threw me curve-balls, and you were even there for me when I pushed you away, but as long as you won’t give up on me, I promise I won’t give up on you.
They provide and nurture, they have since day one, and that won’t go away. It doesn’t matter how old you are, they will always make sure you are properly fed, even if you are living hundreds of miles away. I am grateful for all the sacrifices you have made for me. You provided and made sure I had the best of everything, you have given me more than I could possibly ask for. Even though I may forget to say thank you here and there, I appreciate what you have given me.
They remind us all the time. Regardless if it’s to go to church or to call our grandparents, because time with them is precious, or a reminder to stop spending money on things we don’t need. As we grew up, they reminded us to clean our rooms and do our homework. We’d roll our eyes, and then they’d remind us not to do that, ever again. They’d remind us to take our medicine when we were sick, even if that meant shoving it down our throats, or to put sunscreen on before we swam, and not to jump back in the pool right after we ate, because it was bad for you. Throughout our lives, they are going to constantly remind us of things we need to do. But its up to us to remind ourselves of all that they do for us. I am thankful for all of your reminders. Without them I wouldn’t be as structured and disciplined as I am today.
They teach you the do’s and the dont’s of life; how to be polite, and how to show respect toward one another. They will be your mentors for the rest of your life, and when the time comes for us to have children, we will teach them the lessons of our parents. Our children will learn the traditions, morals, and values that we have learned. And when they pass on, their lessons will continue to travel from generation to generation. I am grateful for your lessons on family values and for teaching me how to be humble. I’ll try my best not to be selfish or be jealous of what others have. Thank you, mom and dad, for teaching me about life. Without your teachings and guidance, I wouldn’t be so driven to reach my goals and ambitions as I grow older.
They call and maybe even text. But that heart-dropping moment when you miss a call from your mom or dad will never end, even when you’re an adult. They will always call to check up on you, just to make sure you’re alive and doing well. And even though it can put you on edge, they do it because they care. When I have children, I’ll remember to do the same to them, just to make them panic a little.
They love unconditionally, and I love you unconditionally as well.
We fight, we gripe, we moan and complain, but a parent’s love will remain the same.
Similar to author Robert Munsch,
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
Your child I’ll be.
I love you, mom and dad.
