Hey Mom and Dad.

There are so many things I want to tell you, but sometimes it's not easy saying it in person. So, I decided to write this for you, because written words, at times, work better for me than spoken words.

Mom, I want to thank you for bringing me into this world. I want to thank you for helping me become who I am today. I would not have gotten this far if I didn't have you both behind me as safety nets. I thank God every day that I was raised by parents who instilled strong values in me. I'm not the easiest person to be around, and I'm hard to handle a lot of the time, but you have both stuck by my side despite all the trouble I've given you. You didn't give up on me when I almost gave up on myself and you both showed me the strength I have inside of my heart. You have been my anchors back home who remind me where I come from. That constant reminder of where I come from keeps me grounded and responsible. You have both sacrificed a lot to push me forward with my life.

Mom and Dad -- gosh you drive me up the wall, but I love you more than anything. I don't say it as often as I should and I may act like an ungrateful child, but thank you for everything you've given me. To my Momma, thank you for being the strong woman you are. Because of your strength, I gained that fire that you posses so vibrantly. We have many days where we don't get along but I realize now it's because we are so much alike. We are stubborn, hardheaded, loud and strange. I know you may not feel it, but I love you and appreciate you more than I let on. You had a hard childhood and all you wanted was for your children to have a better life than what you had. You succeeded, Mom. I'm going to college and I've grown into a driven woman because of you. You've succeed because all your children are alive, healthy and moving forward with their lives.

Dad, I haven't forgotten you. Thank you for raising me even though I am not your biological daughter. You made a tremendous decision to raise me, but you did so with an open and big heart. No matter what, you are my dad. You've been there for me in times I needed you the most. You put up with my many tantrums and my heavy attitude. You helped me find my identity growing up whether it was in music, my style of clothes or the things that I enjoy. You were tough on me, but you did a damn good job. You worked hard to give me what I needed and you did you best to give me the world. Thank you for your sense of humor, for your advice, and for your love. Thank you for calling me your daughter. That, alone, has been the greatest gift you have given me. You have no idea how much that means to me. I know you too, may feel under appreciated but I hope you know you are not. I appreciate that you work hard for everything you have and that you remind me that I too, must work hard for everything I want. Thank you for calling me while I'm away at college and for making sure I have everything I need. Even when I'm old and wrinkly, I'll always be your Toto.

Mom and Dad, no matter the distance, you are both always in my heart. No matter how old I am, I'll always be your little girl.