I have been extremely fortunate to have some of the best parents I could have ever asked for. Sure, we’re not a picture-perfect family, but I wouldn’t want it to be any other way. I neglect to tell my parent’s everyday how much I appreciate them.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I want to first apologize; I have never shown enough gratitude for the million-and-one things you have done for me over the years. From driving me to school, practices, games, and the many other places my friends and I wanted to go in our younger years, I never thanked you both enough.

I honestly could never thank you enough for the amount of support I have received from you both over the years. Between supporting my decisions on the small things (good or bad) to moving far away from home for college, I’ve never had to wonder if you two would stand behind me. There is never a moment in time that I have had to question whether you had my best interests at heart, and I know that if I need an honest opinion, you’re my first call. We’ve had our arguments, but at the end of the day I know that you both would support me in any decision I would make for myself.

I have to thank you both for always providing for me. As I’ve gotten older, I realized the struggle you both went through to provide for our family. When I finally got a job of my own, I realized how expensive the things I asked for were. I want to thank you for the things you’ve bought me that I don’t always thank you for like clothes, food, and electronics. I was fortunate to be blessed with parents that wanted to provide me with the world.

You both were, and still are the best role models for me. From showing me how to be an adult, to how two people truly in love should act; you both have been outstanding mentors my entire life. As I look for love, I continually study how you two act with each other after so many years of marriage, and that’s what I want. I want the small notes you periodically leave for each other and the way you say you love each other each night before going to sleep. They may be small things, but I notice them, and they’ve given me a high standard for love, a love like you have.

As I’m learning to become more independent, I want you both to know that I appreciate anything and everything you have ever done for me and continue to do. I love you both more than words could ever describe and I can never thank you enough for the countless things you do and have done for me. I’m getting older, but I still love coming home to my parents and the time I get to spend with you both.