Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you. Thank you for being my parents and more. Thank you for being Christian examples, for being mentors, for being my friend, and for being my #1 fans. I can't begin to explain to you what all of that means to me, and I don't think you guys give yourselves enough credit for the amazing job you have done.
I know you have been through a lot with us four kids- mostly the boys always causing havoc ;) but thank you for always sticking with us and loving us unconditionally. You have taught me there is more to being a parent than changing diapers, getting the kids to and from school and practices, tolerating bad attitudes in the teenage years, helping to pay for a college and a wedding, disciplining, and creating guidelines.
You taught me what it means to be a family. I will always remember sitting around the dinner table together and Sunday morning breakfasts with dad's famous eggs. I will always cherish the memories from Myrtle Beach and crab hunting at Edisto Island. And who could forget the time in the Smokey Mountains when Lucas locked us out of the car when we saw a bear, leaving us to fend for ourselves ;) We've had a lot of good times, but there's been some bad too. But through all we've been through as a family, I have learned that you never give up on one another, and you always are there for one another.
You taught me about God, and you helped me pursue Him in my own personal walk as a Christian. I remember going to church every Sunday, reading the Bible at the dinner table, and when I was baptized and dad was the one who helped "dunk" me. I learned that there is nothing more important than having Christ in your life.
You taught me what it means to have morals and values, and what it means to stand up for them. Throughout high school and into college, I faced things and I am glad I had strong morals and values to know what I did and didn't want to do according to my beliefs. Have I messed up? Plenty. But you also taught me that what is important is my heart is in the right place and that I learn from my mistakes.
You taught me that it is important to make a difference. It was always important to mom to make meals for families that loved ones had cancer, or were going through a rough time. My dad always made it a point to go help those who houses were damaged in storms, or help with community service. Thank you for taking our family on my first mission trip to Mexico when I was young, which created my passion for missions.
You taught me to always be kind and caring, to be respectful, to cherish our loved ones and to spend time wisely. You taught me what it meant to proud and to be humble, and you taught me to always be thankful. You taught me to be forgiving and understanding, and to be the best I could be.
You taught me to always try my best- in school, in sports, in dance and in voice lessons. And when I didn't get an A+ on a test, or I didn't win, or things didn't go like I wanted- you taught me try again. Thank you for always being at my games and matches and recitals, it meant so much that you both supported me in what I loved to do.
Thank you for being my parents and so much more. I love you both more than I could hope to explain; and I thank God everyday for blessing me with parents like you.
With love,
Your Daughter.
