It wasn't until I came to college that I stood back and realized just how much my mom and dad had taught me up to that point, how much effort they put into raising me. It was about a month and a half after my family moved me into my dorm room that a combination of school stress, drama, anxiety and homesickness made me want to be back in New York or for my family to be with me in Pennsylvania. I wanted to be able to tell them I loved them in person. I wanted nothing more than for my parents to give me a hug.

I feel like sometimes, parents are such a constant presence that we forget just how much they really do for us. I mean, my parents' lives completely changed when my sister and I were born. I mean, dedicating your life to the well-being of another human is quite a lot if you ask me. You can make a huge deal of their birthday and never come close to their excitement over yours. You can get sick and they'll do everything they can to nurse you back to health. And they do it all with a hug and a kiss and an I love you. Growing up, there were times when I forgot just how freaking tired my parents must have been.

The other day, my college town hosted a street fair with rows and rows of white tent-topped vendors selling food and crafts. Knowing my parents 25th wedding anniversary was about a month away, I figured this was the perfect place to find them a gift. But as I scoured the myriad ceramic plates and colorful prints, I just couldn't find anything perfect enough to say "Thanks for getting married and having me and loving me and putting up with me *cough* and my sister *cough* for so many years." Now I know I'm just a sentimental person, but I wanted to find something that showed my gratitude for the constancy of family I'm lucky enough to have. Sure, like every family we've had our episodes, but that just means the sitcom of our lives would be even more ridiculous. I eventually chose a gift, but I know my parents well enough to know that when I apologize for it not being enough, they'll say it's perfect and that my sister and I make them proud, and that's their gift.

And I am so so lucky to have the parents I have--my mom taught me empathy and understanding are incredibly powerful and my dad taught me the power of positivity and also that people and social activities are not in fact evil, and they both taught me much, much more. I'll sometimes say or do something and laugh to myself after the fact--realizing it might be something my parents would do, be it make a quirky joke (Mom) or help plan an event (Dad).

Now yes, I might just be feeling quite sappy this fine evening and also a little homesick. What'll get me through this week is the knowledge I'll see you at the end of it and hear all of your ridiculous phrases and once again be able to hug you and tell you I love you in person. Thank you for instilling me with such independence and wisdom. Thank you for believing in me and supporting me even when I was depressed or excited or upset or making no sense whatsoever. All the thank you's in the world Mom and Dad, I love you to the moon and back.