Mom and Dad,

I don't know where to begin this letter to the both of you, but I know that it is one that will be long. I struggle to find the words to truly express how grateful I am for the two of you, and though you already know, there will never be enough words in the English language to tell you how much you mean to me.

Ever since I was a young girl, we have had a close bond that no one has been able to come between. Through all of the trials and tribulations that life has thrown my way, although things in life shifted, our relationships always grew stronger. Since I was little, we have always been a family who communicates. We as a team have always had our sit down talks, whether they are happy talks or angry talks, they have always ended with hugs, smiles, and love. You have taught me since I was a young girl that I can always turn to you and depend on you for anything, even if I just needed someone to talk to and I am eternally grateful for that.

Being my parents hasn't always been easy, I know. Life has thrown a lot of things my way that no parent wants to see their kids have to deal with, but you both took on the challenge and lifted the hardships off my shoulders and helped me through. Yes, I went through many phases and I was incredibly stubborn and I sometimes still am, but you never gave up. Even if you didn't agree with one of my choices, you supported me as much as you could because you wanted me to learn on my own time.

I could go on about the things that you did as I was growing up but I figure it would be easier to just make a list for each of you of the things I am thankful for that you have done for me.

Thank you for teaching me that expressing myself through different mediums, even the way I dressed or styled my hair, was okay because I needed to have that sense of individuality.

Thank you for teaching me that being unique was okay.

Thank you for allowing me, as a kid, to explore different activities and not pushing me to participate in things that I didn't enjoy.

Thank you for letting me yell and cry when I was upset and then teaching me how to control my temper in an appropriate way.

Thank you for never telling me no when I wanted to spend time with either of you, even if you were busy doing work.

Dad, thank you for always playing catch with me in the front yard, taking me fishing, playing tennis with me, taking me for ice cream and neighborhood drives, sea glassing, motorcycle rides, and always being my best friend.

Mom, thank you for the days when I was a little girl and you would pick me up from school, take me to the deli and sit outside with me until dad drove by in his truck. Thank you for the mani-pedi dates, for being my movie buddy, for always listening to me, even when it isn't easy and is hard for you, thank you for being my person.

The biggest thing I want to thank you both for is believing in me and supporting my dreams. Thank you for allowing me to follow my dreams of theatre and supporting me through all of my endeavors with the artistic world. Thank you for sending me to an amazing high school when I needed it the most. Thank you for supporting me in my college adventures and sending me four hours away from home. Thank you for always being there, even when I am hours away, and dropping everything to be there for me.

Most of all, thank you for loving me the way you do.

I love you both and I am so incredibly proud to be your daughter.

Love,

Sunshine