Success is in my stride, because I have parents like you by my side.

There are not adequate words to describe how profoundly thankful I am to my parents. I’ve realized I don't show exactly how grateful I am, but I truly am so so appreciative. You together have taught me so much, and going away to college and being apart from you has made me realize just how much you both mean to me.

When I was young I always felt that you were constantly on my back. But now I realize that you were simply watching my back.

You may not know my parents, but let me just tell you how genuinely wonderful they are. They have taught me countless lessons, but the most important one to me is to follow my dreams and that I can achieve anything with a strong mind and dedication. This hit me hard during my times of depression; but they—to this day—never let me forget how capable I am and how strong my mind is.

My dad is the epitome of a role model. He is no Bill Gates or President Obama, but he is the most successful, hardworking, and open-minded person I have ever met and I have the pleasure of calling him my dad everyday. He once told me from the time when he was a little kid, he constantly set goals for himself and endeavored to achieve them, but if he didn’t, it was acceptable because he could say he tried. This year my dad turned 50 (sorry to announce it, don’t kill me), but on his 50^th birthday he has accomplished every single thing on that list he made for himself as a child, and to me that is so inspirational to hear as a daughter. I cannot even put into words how thankful and appreciative I am of my parents and how much they motivate me everyday to be my best. They have given me an amazing life and I hope to do nothing but make it worthwhile and make them proud of what I choose to do with the blessed life they have given me.

So, Mom and Dad,

Thank you for the endless amounts of love, even when I don't deserve it.

Thank you for all your support, no matter the predicaments I have gotten myself into—and believe me when I say, there have been a lot.

Thank you for listening to me cry on the phone or in person, no matter what time of day, and no matter what reason.

Thank you for listening to me rant, ramble, or just chatter no matter how psychotic the topic seems.

Thank you for making me laugh when I'm sad.

Thank you for knocking some sense into me when I'm acting impetuous.

Thank you for the meals, the birthday parties, and everything in between.

Thank you for all the advice, even when I don't take it. I have learned the hard way; you are, and will be continuously and always right.

Thank you for making me so happy,;even if I fail to show it, you have been the greatest parents a daughter could ever revere, and I am beyond appreciative I was given you as my guidance throughout life.

Thank you for working unbelievably hard to be able to send me to college and give me all that I have. That means the complete world to me, and for that, I will never be able to repay you.

Thank you for giving me the life every child deserves, and being such perfect parents. When I have children, I hope to be half the parents are to me, and I promise I will take care of you as you have me for as long as I live.

Thank you for always being there for me. Without the two of you, I don't know where I would be. I realized I do not thank you enough for everything. And for that, I apologize. If I have learned anything while being away from you and with you, it is that you are the most important people in my life, and I love you both more than anything.

So, just... Thank you. For everything. I will try for the rest of my life to make you proud and make something of everything you have given me.