Dear Mom and Dad,

Thanksgiving break is in a few days and I can’t help but miss you both a little extra during this time of the semester. It’s getting cold here and all I want to do is bundle up by the fireplace in the living room with you. I know I will be home soon and I can’t wait. But since it is the time of Thanksgiving, I don’t want to complain to you, but thank you for all you have done for me.

Thank you for sending me to the University of Oklahoma. I am aware that not everyone gets the opportunity to pick their school or go out of state for school. It’s true that I miss you and wish I could see you more often, but overall, I am grateful. I love my school and have made lifelong friendships. I love the town, the lifestyle, the newness of it all. Whenever I am at a football game, or a sorority event, I miss you, because all I think is, “I wish my mom and dad could experience this, too.” So thank you for trusting me and giving me the freedom and responsibility to go away for school. I promise to make you proud.

Thank you for making me miss you. Not everyone looks forward to going home for breaks; I do. I love being home not for the physical house, but for you. They say “Home is where the heart is,” and my heart is with you. Thank you for loving me unconditionally, supporting me, trusting me, etc. I love our little activities we like to do together such as when Dad and I go for walks, or when Mom and I go to Francoli’s restaurant and order our beloved cheese plate. It’s the little things that count, and I can’t wait to go to our favorite places together once I am home.

Thank you for creating a welcoming and cheerful aspect within our house. You have made our home the greatness it is. Especially during the holidays, thank you for making sure the lights are up, there are presents under the tree, and making sure we all have a good Christmas. My favorite memories are of all of us on Christmas morning, because there has never been a bad one. We have our own traditions, like counting how many Christmas lights we see while driving, and I plan to carry out those traditions as I get older.

I could thank you for a million things and still not have said thank you enough. You are both my rock in this crazy, fast-paced world and I couldn’t imagine life without you. So as I close my eyes in Norman, I can feel the heat of the fireplace back home hitting my back, and see Karrie, Hannah, both of you, and myself sitting in our pajamas from Mrs. Claus on Christmas Eve. I can smell the homemade Chex mix Mom makes cooking in the kitchen, and I see Dad’s “A Christmas Carol” book lying on the table near the Christmas tree. I hear us all talking and laughing, remembering old times and creating new memories. I know it may seem like I left you both and wanted to get away, but I really do miss you and am so thankful for the both of you. I don’t say thank you enough, and I promise to work on that. I love you both so much. Can’t wait to see you soon. Happy Thanksgiving.

Love,

Clara