As I go into my senior year of college (literally, vom), I’ve realized how much my parents have done for me over my 21 years of life. Between birth, to puberty, to moving me into my freshman dorm, being a parent is a full-time job—and I cannot be more appreciative of mine for taking on the challenge. Of course, life gets busy, thanks-you’s get quicker, and sometimes we’ve grown so accustomed to the expectation of having someone’s daily support that we forget to thank them for all they do for us.

Similarly, to those in my generation, I don’t feel like I thank them enough for the persistent support and love they provide for us on a daily basis. Growing up isn’t an easy thing to do—for anyone—and like it or not, your parents have probably taken the brunt of all of your issues, big or small. So, moms and dads of the world, here are some things that we don’t thank you enough for.

1. Giving birth to me

Thank you for actually giving me the gift of life and taking on the test of raising me to be my best, most honest, happiest self.

2. Making holidays special

Thank you for all of the holiday cheer, cookies always ready for grabs, the effort you make to decorate the house, and filling our home with warmth and love. No matter the occasion, it was always expected to receive a phone call and maybe some goodies in the mail when we couldn’t be home to celebrate.

3. Giving me a sibling

Thank you for giving me a sibling who might have given me some tough times and some fun times, but who will always be my best friend for life.

4. Supporting our education

Thank you for countless hours at the dinner table helping me solve my algebra homework and consoling me through the torture of sending in college apps. Not to mention, the innumerable number of hours at the ACT/SAT tutor and soothing me before my first college midterms week.

5. Taking care of me when I’m sick

Thank you for offering to drive 6 hours to take care of me when I get strep for the 8,000 time, checking up via every communication device to make sure I took my medicine, and listening to me cry when all I want is to be home and coddled.

6. Providing our life necessities

Thank you for the basic necessities of life: food, water, shelter, clothing.

7. Doing my laundry

Thank you for always taking on the burden of doing my abundant amount of dirty laundry when I come home from a long semester of shrinking and dyeing it all on my own.

8. Cooking homemade meals

Thank you for planning and cooking me homemade, healthy, well-rounded meals since the day I was born and especially when I come home from school—where I consume an unhealthy amount of Lunchables and pasta.

9. Listening to my every complaint

Thank you for picking up your phones, answering my texts, and always being ready to hear my every complaint from a headache to dealing with the flu to handling testing anxiety.

10. Forgiving me when I break the rules

Thank you for constantly finding the good in me when you would pick me up from a party after I had a little too much to drink, forgiving me when I don’t do the right thing, and allowing me to make mistakes because hey, I’m young.

11. Putting up with my shit

Thank you for, in total bluntness, putting up with all of my shit. I know, it’s a lot.

12. Always putting me first

Thank you for being willing to come to my aid at the drop of a hat, always making sure I’m doing well, and putting me first when I don’t do it for myself.

13. Career connections

Thank you for introducing me to countless colleagues, constantly being on the lookout for potential jobs opportunities, and coaching me through every single interview.