I think a part of growing up is learning from our own struggles and understanding our own weaknesses, but loving who we are and having self-confidence despite our short comings. I’m proud of myself for being able to overcome the bad things that life has thrown at me from time to time (my spinal surgery is one), but even during my darkest hour, appreciating all that is good in my life. When I think of all the reasons I am the person I am today, there are a lot of people and moments that stand out in my mind. I believe that a person is the amalgamation of all that has happened to them (good and bad). To be specific, there are two people that really shine in my mind and heart when I think of how much I’ve grown and changed throughout my life and I want to thank them for all they have done for me.
Here is a letter to my parents:
Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you for giving me the life I have and being there for me the past 18 years. Thank you for always supporting me through everything even when I was wrong. And thank you for still loving me even when I was the one that messed up. I cannot tell you how many times you have showed me what true love is because you have been there for me when no one else was. Thank you for showing me that even when things were rough or when I felt down on myself that it really was going to be okay. Also, thank you for teaching me bravery. I admire you both for your strength in life and in love because no matter what you are always stronger than me. You both manage to keep smiling through everything we are going through.
Mom,
Thank you for always being my best friend when I was struggling. You always knew the right words to say. Thank you for being the person I can have girl’s nights with. I hope someday if I have a daughter I can have the same bond with her as I do with you. Thank you for teaching me how to always be kind even if someone did me wrong because your sweetness is everlasting. Thank you for understanding me on my worst days and sticking to girl power in our house.
Dad,
Thank you for always knowing how to make me smile and laugh. Thank you for always putting our family’s happiness first. You are such a selfless person and I truly admire all the hard work you do. Thank you for being my phone call on my walk to classes and motivating me to work harder. Thank you for making my stomach hurt with endless laughter because in my eyes you are the funniest guy in the world. Through all that you have been through, thank you for teaching me courage, dedication, and strength. You are such a strong person and inspire me to always keep smiling through everything I face in life.
I love you both with all my heart.
To conclude, I strongly believe that the person I have become stems from my parents. They have shaped me into the person I am today with their support, love, bravery, dedication, strength, courage, kindness, and selflessness. All of those attributes are qualities I wish to acquire as I continue to grow.
Thank you mom and dad for all your love.
