Dear mom and dad,

All my life, no matter how tough things got, I always knew I had you two in my corner. You would do anything, and you loved me unconditionally. To have you both as my parents is something I will forever be grateful for. Coming to college, I've had to stray from you for a bit, but all that has done is help me see just how much you give and do in order for me to get to this point in my life. I owe so much of where I am and who I am to you both.

First and foremost, thank you for all you ever have and ever will sacrifice for me. I see how hard you both work, commuting to Manhattan and working crazy hours and holidays to give your children the best life we can ask for. The motivation you both have to succeed drives me to want to work as hard as I possibly can while I’m at college so that one day, I can provide for my family the way you both do.

Thank you for believing in me, especially when I don't believe in myself. There are days where I feel like I can’t get anything right, but you guys can see beyond my doubts and fears, and know I can do anything I set my mind to. You don’t push me, but rather encourage and inspire me to be the best person I can be in all aspects of my life. I believe in myself more and more every day, and I credit you both for this.

Thank you both for being so funny and easy to talk to. I love being able to tell you guys so much about my life at college, from the guy I liked first semester to the beer pong win streak I have going with my roommate, without receiving a lecture or life lesson afterwards. You both trust me enough to make good choices in college and know I’d never do anything to put myself in danger. You have never shamed me for going out on the weekends, as long as I get my work done.

Thank you for being my cheerleaders when I need motivation and my sunshine on cloudy days. Having a child who struggles with depression is probably a parent’s worst nightmare, especially when they go away to school. Some days are good, but some are hard. Thankfully, I am just a phone call away from the greatest support system ever that never fails to let me believe I can do anything if I just believe in myself. I am the happiest I have ever been, and even when things get tough, you give me faith they’ll always get better.

If I can be half the mom and find someone who is half the dad that you are, I will consider that the biggest success ever. I love you both more than anything and hope you know how much I appreciate and admire you.

Love always,