Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you for everything you have provided for me. From a roof over my head to the clothes on my back. Thanks for allowing me to be the weird kid that expressed how they felt through mix-matched clothing, and saying nothing (to me) about it. You gave me the confidence that I could totally rock those short-alls with a striped shirt and polka-dotted socks. Thank you for the countless rides to practices, games, rehearsals, performances, showcases, and competitions. That is, in actuality, more gas than an entire oil-based country can supply. Along with all my extracurricular activities, thank you for every little thing that I just HAD TO HAVE. Thank you for all the bows for cheerleading, batting gloves for softball, and every team t-shirt in between.

Thank you for supporting me through everything. It is because of you that I am where I am and where I am confident I will go. Thank you for pushing me to do my best in school, and continuing to make sure I'm on top of it, even when I am away at college. Thank you for those extra little bank account deposits so mine doesn't hit zero. Thank you for paying my dues, helping me pay for my books, and for stocking my mini refrigerator with Yoohoos and yogurt. Also, thank you for every t-shirt you've bought because "I neeeeeeed it."

Thank you for raising me in a home where I know I will be supported no matter what direction I decide to walk in. Thank you for anchoring me in my faith, because without your guidance I wouldn't have known to turn to Him for everything. Thank you for the motivational texts, calls, and Facebook posts. Even when I feel like I can't truck on, without calling to complain, you somehow know I need a little push.

With this note of gratitude, also comes my apologies. I am sorry for not listening at all times. I'm sorry that I can sometimes embarrass you (just because I can), I'm sorry that sometimes the only time you may hear from me would be to say, "Hey, can you put, like, $30 in my bank account, pleaseeeeee?!" Sorry that I forgot to call when I got back to my dorm after a late night at the library. I'm sure there is way more to apologize for as well, but I'll save us all the embarrassment.

But mostly thank you for molding me into the person I am today. Because of your love and support, I know I can do anything, succeeding or failing, and you would have my back. Thanks for never saying, "I told you so," when I call crying because I made a mistake after you warned me about it. Thank you for being the perfect example of how to be the best parents anyone could ask for. If and when I have my own family, I hope that I can be half the parents as you.

You are da bomb, Mom and Dad. Never change. I love you forever and a day.

Your middle one.