This past week, I was talking to my mom and joking about the idea of a list of my "favorite people", which prompted her to ask the clear question: who would be on it? Of course, I was quick to add musicians and writers I am inspired by and my closest friends to such a list, but I joked to my mother that she still had to "earn her place" on my "favorite people" list. Though that was clearly a joke, I found I was suddenly hit with yet another realization of how much she and my father do for me and how much I love them. I could never thank them enough for all that they have done, but I will try to offer up a start. I have a tendency to write to get my point across, so here are the words that came to mind:

Dear Mom and Dad,

You probably have no idea how thankful I am for you. After all, I tend to be running around all week, sometimes rarely seeing you outside of car rides to work or school or wherever else I need to be. But I hope you know that you are the reason I get to do everything I am doing now. For starters, you brought us to Boonton Township, thus paving the way for me to meet the friends I am constantly asking you if I can go out with. Also, it was you two that introduced me to music, dad playing his country tv music stations and mom playing the songs on the radio that she found catchy. One of my most clear memories of my childhood is a day where I was listening to a country music tv station with dad and Carrie Underwoods song "Don't Forget to Remember Me" came on and I cried. I still cry when I hear it. It was not, of course, the first time I had heard a song, but it was the first time I had truly felt other people's words and rhythms and emotions through one, and it made me begin to love music. Even if I did not know I would actually make music then, I can now look back and say it was you who planted the roots of music in me (along with Pop, of course). As I move forward in my life, you are the people who ensure that I can take voice lessons, which have truly changed my life, and you are there for every performance cheering me on and making me feel like I am talented and special. No matter what, you guys have pushed and supported me to do my best at what I love, and, if it wasn't for the both of you, I can promise I would not be the person I am today. You have both also taught me so much about the world and about how I fit into it. Dad has taught me grace (it seems like a strange word choice, but it is profoundly true), selflessness and determination while my mother has taught me honesty, humility, comedy, open-mindedness, and open-heartedness. In addition to all of this, you provide me with a loving family. I have the best brother in the world, he is the epitome of kindness and greatness (he even saves lives). I also have two outstanding sisters: Emma, who is one of the most kind-hearted, thoughtful, and sweet people I have ever meet, and Ali, who I turn to for honest advice and who I can joke around with endlessly. And, unforgettably, Cooper, the world's best, softest and cutest puppy. So, just know that even when I complain about ridiculous things, I am never for a second ungrateful for all that you have done and are doing for me. I see your efforts and I appreciate it more than I could ever say. I am so honored and proud to call you both my parents. I hope I can make you proud of me, too. I love you both so very much. Thank you.

Your (best) daughter,

Kate