Dear Mom and Dad,
Over the last 21 years you've managed to balance being amazing people with being wonderful parents. I know there were times when I frustrated you; when I was an infant and couldn't express to you what it was I wanted, when I was in middle school and was too lazy to turn in my homework, when I was in high school and didn't warn you when I would be home late, and now while I'm in college and our schedules keep us from talking every day. So I just wanted to take a few minutes out of my week to thank you, for everything.
As a kid, you brought me up in the faith, which taught me values and morals that I still hold today and that I draw from as my world grows and new morals and new values need to come into play. You sent me to day care, giving me the chance to learn how to socialize and make lifelong friends. You took days off at your full-time jobs to chaperone my class field trips, and we got to share those memories together, making me cherish them even more. You spent Sunday evenings reading books while I was at choir practice, and listened to me sing to every single song on the radio whenever we were going anywhere in the car. I got to listen to you playing music and see you at work, being total superheroes in my eyes. And you punished me when I needed it, letting me realize how important self control was and taught me to respect you both as the hard working people that you are.
As I grew up, you sent me to Catholic school, despite my constant complaints about wearing plaid and the long bus rides. And because of that decision, I was more prepared for college and I gained an education that set me up for every stage of life. You would go to my parent teacher conferences and help me learn from my academic mistakes. You drove across the county to different sports games and tournaments, even when I played for 15 minutes or dove four times in a competition. When rumors were started that made me doubt myself, you believed in me and refused to let me be defeated. You held me and let me cry as boys and friends alike broke my heart. And when I left for college, you drove me up for move in day and helped unpack my life as I started my first chapter with you both slightly removed.
But some of the most important things that I need to thank you for are the things I know I never say to you enough. Thank you for creating the loving home I grew up in. Thank you for providing for me and supporting me in every walk of life. I've never felt alone, and I've always been a priority in your eyes. You taught me how to speak, how to respect myself, how to laugh, and how to follow my dreams. You showed me what love is, within our family, within friendships, and within your relationship which gives me so much hope as I continue to grow. I truly will never be able to tell you just how much it means to me that I was fortunate enough to grow up with you as my parents and confidants and my number one supporters.
Everything that I am, that I've been, and that I hope to be is a direct result of you both.
I love you,
forever your little girl.
