Dear Mom and Dad,
First of all MUCHAS GRACIAS [thank you]. I know it's not easy seeing your little girl grow up. I know it would be easier to pretend I’m still that annoying little girl asking you every question possible. Anyway, the reason I am saying thank you is for being you. Thank you for bringing me up the way you did. Dad, thank you for teaching me nothing is impossible, and Mom, thank you for teaching me that everything comes in its own time, but most of all thank you both for being my strict parents growing up.
Growing up, I envied the kids going out whenever they could, being able to text past 10 o’clock and most of all just stay over at people’s houses. See, at that time, I never realized you were setting boundaries for me. It never actually meant I couldn’t do those things, it just meant that you were concerned. Not only concerned for my safety, but also concerned for the way I would act when you were not there.
Now being in college, I don’t feel the need to go out everyday, because I was never accustomed to being all over the place. I find comfort in being at home, or in this case, my apartment. Yes, when I first got a little taste of freedom, I would go out here and there, but never to the point where I would blow off class to do it. Mainly due to the fact that I hear you guys in my head saying “everything at its own pace.” Without your direction, I don’t really know where I would be. Not only that, without you two I wouldn't have the confidence to go out and pursue my dreams. I wouldn't be able to sit here knowing that everything in your past has helped shape me, and I thank you for sharing those experiences.
Lastly, I want to thank you for all the craziness and happiness you inflicted on me. You taught me to speak two languages. You taught me how to appreciate the little things in life, as well as the big ones. You taught me how to be responsible. You taught me to respect my elders. You taught me that life has endless possibilities. You taught me that over everything, your family is the best thing you can have. I absolutely love you two. I reiterate, I would be completely lost without you two, and I am proud of the woman I’m becoming because of all the times you told me no.
