You didn't give me the world you taught me to go out and get it myself.
When I left for college I will admit I was naive, so sure that I knew how the world worked, that I was already prepared for whatever life threw at me. But I quickly realized that college and life on your own in general isn't as easy as it seems. Life is rough without your parents. But it's okay because you were only a phone call or a three hour drive away. I can honestly tell you that my first year of college changed me more than any other time in my life. And I am much prouder of the person I am now. For that, I have you to thank. So mom and dad, thank you.
For always supporting me and picking me up whenever I fall (or trip down the stairs at cotillion). Where would I be without your constant advice? You are always ready to share your wisdom whether I asked for it or not. Thank you for continuing to share it even when you thought I wasn't listening and even though you said you were going to stop. Trust me, I was listening.
It is because of you that I am proud of the person I am today. Thank you for waiting patiently for me to get here. For enduring the middle and high school years. For sitting through countless arguments for no reason. Thank you for being honest, for telling me like it is. For being a good judge of character. Somehow you always ended up being right.
Thank you for letting me make my own mistakes and listening to me complain or holding me when I cried when things didn't work out. Thank you for pushing me to be better always. To not stop where I am at because there's always room for improvements. I am still improving myself. Thank you for showing me what it looks like to be driven, hard working, and selfless. For showing me strength.
You both work all day, then come home and continue to work to take care of the house and the family. But I've never heard you complain. I've watched you balance work, events, fundraisers, soccer games, academic awards, spur of the moment trips to school or friends houses, cooking meals, keeping the house clean, and much more with ease. And I took it all for granted. I never realized how much you did for me until I was doing most of it on my own. Thank you for being the best parents I could have asked for. I'm sorry I ever thought I was too cool for you guys because now you are my best friends.
