I really don't know what I would do without you. You have given so much to me from day one. Every time I fell, cried over something silly, or just had a bad day you would always be there to lift me up. You taught me to be strong and to be kind. You instilled your wisdom in me in the hopes that someday I can make a difference in the lives of others as well. I can't even begin to put into words how lucky I am to have you both as parents. There's no one in my life I look up to more than you two.

I know you think you're an average parent; that you tried your best but there's "not a handbook on raising your kid". I'm here to tell and prove to you that you did more than you will ever know. You've given me hope and the will to stand up for what I believe in. You taught me that actions speak louder than words. You raised me to think for myself and make my own decisions regardless of whoever tries to pressure me. Most importantly, you helped me learn the importance of respect for everyone in this world, including myself.

This life is so short and minute in the grand scheme of things I never get the chance to tell you both how much I love and appreciate you. You deserve everything and I hope someday to give back to you both how much love you've engrained in my own values. I hope you both know how amazing you are in your own way.

Dad, thank you for attempting to teach me soccer, even if I wasn't very good. Thank you for helping me learn that I deserve a guy in my life that treats me with respect and cares for me one hundred percent of the time. Thank you for the healing hugs when I need them, and the sage advice on life that I know I would be nowhere without.

Mom, thank you for inspiring me to go into the medical profession. Thank you for your warm smile that instantly makes me feel better. Thank you for always being so kind and gracious in everything you do. Thank you for being my best friend.

I hope you both know that I've barely scratched the surface of all the things you've done. You mean more to me than you'll ever know. I hope someday I can give you guys the world and more just as you've done for our family. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for all that you do.