Dear Mom and Dad,

You did it. You successfully raised an (mostly) adult human being. I know there were times that you were scared you were failing. I know there were times where you thought I might not make it. Let’s be honest – I was a horrible teenager. I was the teenager you dreaded having. I was the teenager you were constantly worried about and had to install a tracking device in the car for. I was the teenager filled with tearful outbursts every afternoon after carpool. Through depression, anxiety and believing my world was ending every other week, keeping me together was a full-time job. And through it all, you taught me what unconditional love was. You accepted that job whole-heartedly, with no reservations and no regrets.

How did you do it? You were my rock when I had no foundation. You were my light when I retreated into the darkest of holes. You were my positivity when I was consumed in pessimism. You were my motivation when I had lost all hope.

You are the only reason I am here today.

How does one express enough gratitude to the beings that gave her existence? I don’t just mean the miracle of human life. I mean the people that helped me survive this crazy world. There were times where I didn’t want to be here. I looked at myself and I saw a disaster. An unlovable, messed up, constantly failing screw up. You both looked at me and saw grace, boldness, bravery and a love so powerful you could move mountains.

And you did. You moved mountains for me every day. Nothing could come between your love for me. You worked your asses off and you gave me the best life I could have hoped for. I deserved nothing, and you gave me everything. I look back now, and if that’s not a true example of Christ’s love for humankind, I don’t know what is.

It still continues to this day. I sometimes sit in awe and wonder how and why I got so lucky. The support I receive from both of you is not normal. You go above and beyond, and I know that. You give me reality checks, but know I need to learn my own lessons. You help me in times of need, but let me have time to get back on my feet on my own. You encourage me to follow my passions, but bring my space cadet mind back to the ground. You love me unconditionally, and there’s no “buts” about that one.

I will always be your baby girl. You will never stop loving me, supporting me, challenging me or encouraging me. I hope I can come up with enough words to say thank you for the rest of our lives. This letter is simply a small inadequate reminder of how grateful I am for you.

Thank you for sacrificing for me.

Thank you for holding me when I cried for no valid reason.

Thank you for holding me when I cried for any reason.

Thank you for only wanting what’s best for me.

Thank you for supporting my dreams, even if you didn’t agree with them.

Thank you for being my safety net.

Thank you for constantly taking me to doctors and fighting for answers for me.

Thank you for always picking up my constant quarter-life crisis phone calls.

Thank you for loving me no matter what I do.

Thank you for being so present in my life.

Thank you for showing me what parenthood means.

Thank you for telling me the truth when it hurts.

Thank you for always reminding me of who I want to be.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Words will never be enough, but thank you for being you.

I love you to the moon and back,

Punkeroo aka Punkin aka Ari