Now that I am leaving home for the first time, I guess all the times you told me that I was growing up too quick was extremely true. As I’ve begun packing to move into college in the next two weeks, I’ve come across several mindful times that we had together and have had time to look back at all the things you guys have done for me in the past. And while I have come across those recollections, I am truly grateful to you and I feel I need to give you guys a proper thank you.

To start off, thank you guys for always reminding me that I have the talent to reach my goals and to chase after my dreams, whatever they are. For repeatedly telling me that I am someone worth fighting for and to never settle for others who think otherwise because they are all jealous that I have a something that they don't. What is it that I may have that they don't? I have you guys who have raised me up to be the person I am today.

For all the trips that you guys have taken me on growing up, they were all the greatest adventures to me no matter where we went. Every single one was special for me just because we all were able to just relax and have fun with nothing to bother or worry us (I’m not going to lie, Disney World was always my favorite!).

Thank you for always being my biggest fans when I'm on the field whether that be me pitching, fielding or just being up to bat at my softball games or even on the bleachers cheering for me at my cheerleading competitions. Yelling at me when I make a mistake only to motivate me not to make the mistake again because you believed that I was better than what I was doing. And on top of that thanks for coaching me along the way although that was a task in itself the way that I tended to be argumentative most of the time.

For always knowing when something was wrong and being able to read my expressions. You have no idea how many times I have been grateful to you for noticing that I was off, because it truly made me feel better knowing that I had people who cared about what I was feeling. And for all the times that you guys came running when I cried, thank you. Most people see me as emotionless but you guys are able to see right through me and for that I'm thankful to you.

Lastly, thank you for standing by me when I felt like I was alone in the world. Being the ones who gave me a shoulder to lean on when I felt like I hated myself because people made me feel like I didn’t belong because I was different or quieter, so it made me an easier target and for being there just when I wanted to hide from everything that was troubling me. For helping me stand back on my two bare feet and to face all situations that came to me with fists wide open, and to show me to never back down to a bully or problem only to face them with confidence to show them that what they say and do won’t bother me.

Thanks for everything!