Looking back on my teenage years, I recall many disagreements and unsettled arguments with my parents. The truth is, most young people don’t see eye-to-eye with their parents and waste some of the best years of their lives fighting. Growing up, it seems that we’re all a little too stubborn to admit it, but our parents were the best part of our lives. At this point in time, when I am about to graduate college and start my life in the “real world,” I feel it necessary to acknowledge the people that made it all possible.
Mom, I would like to thank you for quite literally giving me the life I live. Every Girl Scout meeting, soccer practice, and music lesson you brought me to did not go unnoticed. I adopted your strong work ethic, your resilience, and your cautious eye. I admire your continuing strength and your kind heart. Thank you for being at every performance I was ever in. Thank you for buying my jelly sandals, which were a hit on the kindergarten playground. And thank you for listening when I had gossip to share. You were my biggest cheerleader and supporter, even today, as our relationship solidifies with each passing day. I regret previous years when I failed to take advantage of your presence in my life. I am incredibly blessed to call you my mother, and my friend. Never forget how special you are, and your importance to our family.
Dad, I would like to thank you for teaching me some of the most valuable life lessons. Because of you, I can check the oil in my car, fix broken things around the house, and appreciate good music. My status as “Mr. Mom” amongst my friends is due to the many years of following you around the house when you worked on little projects. Thank you for letting me hammer those nails, and paint those walls. Thank you for making me work for everything I have, to ensure that I would be successful and independent. You always told me to follow my dreams and to go after the things that make me happy. The world needs more people with your honest tongue and meticulous thinking. Tried and true, I am a Daddy’s Girl. You always ensure that I am safe and happy, and continue to want the best for me.
In my great stubbornness, I neglected these acknowledgements for many years. I took advantage of the life I was given, forgetting that there are people who are less fortunate than me. Don’t forget to hug your parents, and thank them for the little things, because as it turns out, they were really the big things. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the financial, emotional, and physical support of my family. They are the greatest people I know. As I near the end of my college career and face many challenges, I must show my immense gratitude for my mother and father. You both inspire me, individually and as a couple. I’m sorry it took so long to say this: thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I love you.
