After months of anxious worries about moving off to college, the day finally arrived. Without the tremendous amount of help from my family, there is was no way that I could have moved (the huge amount of) my belongings into my dorm room. After my family said all of their heartfelt, teary-eyed goodbyes and began to leave, all that I could think about was the enormous appreciation, gratitude, and love that I have for my parents. I consider my parents superheroes for raising me for 18 years and giving me the gift of being able to fly like an eagle into the “reality” of the real world.
I, personally, am substantially better at explaining my feelings and emotions through writing than actually speaking, so I decided to express my admiration for both of my parents through a letter.
Even though this is a personal letter to my parents, I am more than positive there are other anxious, homesick college freshmen that can completely understand the way I am feeling.
So, here goes nothing.
To my father:
There are not enough words in existence to express my love for you. Through not only your words but your actions, I have learned what it truly means to be a man. Being a man is not all about being perfect all of the time and getting everything right, but it is about owning up to your faults and learning from your mistakes to better yourself. You taught me to love selflessly, even when it is extremely difficult. You’ve shown me that, in tough situations, it is not always appropriate to “man up” and get over it. It is, however, appropriate to fall on your knees and pray to God. You have shown me the importance of having immense faith and trusting in the Lord with all of your heart. You, Dad, have shown me what it means to always show kindness to others through tiny actions like making the cashier at the grocery store laugh to tipping waiters even when service is not completely perfect. Don’t worry, Dad, do not doubt. You have taught me everything you possibly could about being an absolutely amazing father and man. I am in awestruck wonder of you, and I could not be prouder of the rockin’ dad that I call mine. Thank you.
To my mother:
Wow. I truly don’t know where to start. I can’t describe the admiration that I have for the cosmic courage and bravery that you possess. You have taught me, among all other things, to love myself. You have shown me the importance of being myself and giving the world what I have to offer. Confidence is definitely not a trait I was born with, but it is a gift that you have given me, and I could never repay you for that. You have taught me to respect everyone that I meet whether they are young, old, male, female, rich, or poor. Respect is such an important quality to live with day-by-day, and you have truly branded my heart with respect for others. I can always count on you for tough love, deep laughs that evolve into snorts, and true maternal support. I adore the kindness that you show your patients. It is obvious that after 20 years of countless flowers, cards, and compliments from your patients that you are truly an amazing woman. You have amazed me for 18 years, and you continue to leave me in awe of you every day. We haven’t had the “picture perfect” family, but I would not have it any other way. I love you more than words can express, and I am truly in disbelief that I was so blessed to have you as my snortin’ mother. Thank you.
As I sit here at the three-foot desk in my shoebox of a dorm room, I am homesick and heartbroken missing you both. It is much more difficult, even on the first night, than I thought it would be not having you both by my side.
With that being said, I know without a shadow of a doubt that I will be okay. You guys have raised me to be strong and to face obstacles with the drive of a raging bull. Y’all can rest easy and not worry about me. Your job as my parents was to raise me to be a respectful, loving, driven young man, and you have succeeded. Now, you get to sit back and watch me fly. Trust, without worry, that you have done more than enough for me.
Now, it is my time to make you proud, and I will.
Thank you both for everything. I love you more than words.
