On my 18th birthday, I was considered a legal adult and felt like I had finally "made it." Anyone around me knows that I am not a grown man. I'm mature and responsible, but also a kid at heart. As I get older I realize just how forever thankful I am for my family.
Dad, thank you for always telling me exactly how it is and for "not sugarcoating" anything. Thanks for giving me the physical and financial support that I needed to follow my dream and for always reminding me how much I could take without breaking.
Mom, thank you for making me realize my worth and reminding me how much I mean to you and those around me. Thank you for always reminding me that I must be treated like gold, and that I should never settle for less than what I deserve, no matter what.
Dad, thank you for coaching me from the sidelines and dugout before, during and after every football and baseball game. I never had a truly good game until you told me I did and reminded me proud of me you were. Thank you for never missing a game in 12 years.
Mom, thank you for standing up for me from the bleachers and for always telling me to stand up for myself and being my voice when I didn't have one.
Dad, thank you for getting pissed off when my report card didn’t have high enough grades and for making me realize that I can put more time into my work and how important my education is, even when I was young.
Mom, thank you for reminding me that it'll always be OK and that some things in life are completely out of my control. Everything happens for a reason, and eventually, sooner or later, we will figure out why. You always made me feel safe and protected.
Dad, thank you for being so strict with rules about me driving, my curfew, etc. You never gave in when I begged to go somewhere or do something that could have led to things that would risk my future forever.
Mom, thank you for getting to know my friends and to make sure that I was choosing them correctly. That I was always making sure to surround myself with respectable and responsible people through every high and low. You've always been my number one friend.
Dad, thank you for understanding when I would take a leap of faith and for supporting me in what I do, even if it doesn’t seem logical to you at the time. Thank you for recognizing that it’s what I feel I need to do, and hearing me out. You never ask why, but rather how I plan on doing it.
Mom, thanks for being so wise. I'd never admit but nine times out of 10 you're correct. You always know what I need and give me a sense of comfort I've searched so long to find. You prove the point that "mothers know best."
Dad, thank you for showing me what hard work is. You showed me that nothing ever comes easy, and that countless hours of blood, sweat and tears will always be worth it in the end, no matter what.
Mom, thank you for being who you are. Thank you for sharing your love of everything about life, how we laugh and the excitement for everything you do. Your ability to befriend a stranger will always amaze me and you are the definition of selfless.
Together, the two of you have created the person I am today, and I'm forever thankful to call both of you my parents. Thank you for accepting me for who I am, and I hope that someday I turn out to be like you and find the love that you both share for each other.
