As I get older I realize I will never be able to repay any of the things that you two have done for me. Even though I don’t always show my appreciation, just know that everything you do is forever treasured.

Mom,

Thank you for all of the times you took to come to every sporting event. When it was raining outside but my soccer game wasn’t cancelled, you’d be there. You’d get me up at six am (which is never easy) and drive hours for a volleyball tournament. You encouraged me to play every sport, and I will always be grateful for that.

Thank you for setting an amazing example on work ethic. You work so hard every single day, and never stop. No matter if it’s 9am or 9pm, if someone calls you about something dealing with work, you take it. You are very self motivated, and I hope to love my job the way that you do.

Thank you for never pushing me in school. I am somewhat self motivated in the way that you are. I appreciated that you knew I would get my homework done or study when I had tests.

Dad,

Thank you for taking me outside to play sports. You truly started my passion for every sport that I have played. From going outside to play basketball or going to the backyard to play catch, I enjoyed every second of it.

Thank you for allowing me to stay up late at night. As a child I could never fall asleep at a normal time, and to this day I still can’t. Instead of pushing me to go back to bed, you allowed me to stay up and watch football with you. You would explain the game, allow me to ask questions, then fall asleep in your lap. These are memories I will never forget.

Thank you for giving me your tough exterior. I am happy that in life you have taught me not to always let my emotions come to the surface. I may say that we’re heartless but we will both always have a soft spot for certain aspects in life.

To you both,

Thank you for setting boundaries. I always complained about having to come home at a certain time, but now looking back I see that all you did was care. Some days I truly miss having someone to come home to at night knowing that they stayed up worrying about me.

Thank you for seeing that I am quite different from my brothers. You have raised us with the same morals, yet we all have different personalities. You had to push them in school, while I enjoyed challenging myself. Some of us enjoyed sports, while others enjoyed working. You both figured out ways to handle us individually.

Thank you for always checking in on me. You both call me every so often just to make sure that I am doing well. I definitely appreciate knowing that even while I’m away at college you two still worry and care.

Thank you for encouraging me to get away for college. I have always stayed in my comfort zone, never getting too crazy. Going two hours away for college may not be too big of a deal, but to me it was moving away from family. You both have always encouraged me to follow my dreams, and even when things begin to change you support whatever I choose to do.

Thank you for always seeing past my many mistakes. College comes with making a few bad decisions. Sometimes I may disappoint you with these decisions, but you always find a way to look past that.

I love you both and just wanted to say thank you for all that you do for me.