I need to start by apologizing. I am sorry I never said thank you. I am so, so sorry I never told you just how much I appreciate you being in my life. I could have (and should have) said “thank you” to you on so many occasions. I also could have sent that thank-you card that’s been collecting dust in a box for well over four years now. I definitely could have shown you my gratitude in so many ways, but I didn’t. For that, I am truly sorry.

So, thank you. Thank you for being a part of my life. I know we may not talk much at times, but every time we do, I appreciate it. It’s like a little bit of that weight I carry is suddenly lifted. It’s always refreshing to reconnect with you. I appreciate you supporting me as I grew up. I was quite a pain, but you put up with me somehow. I can never thank you enough for being there when I was at my lowest. There were definitely times when I didn’t think I’d make it, but you picked me up and pushed me forward like only you could. You were there when I was at my highest too. You cheered me on and congratulated like I just won Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.

You’ve always been there, either in person or in spirit.

I honestly can’t thank you enough for supporting me when I really doubted myself. There were times when I wanted to quit. I wanted nothing more than to just give up and let the world consume me like the beast it is. But you stopped me. You told me that what I was doing was so worth the struggle, pain, and sacrifice. You reminded me of why I started this journey. You told me I was worth so much more than I thought I was. You told me you never once doubted me. You believed in me when others told me I should walk away. You are why I am here. You helped me realize that even though one door closed for me, I’ve still got plenty of other doors to kick down. Now that I’ve grown, you’ve given me the tools I need to keep fighting. You have no idea how big of a help you have been in my life.

I don’t think you realized how important it was whenever you said, “I’m so glad you’re still here”. You gave me purpose. You inspired me to try and try and try regardless of how impossible the task may have seemed. You’re the reason I got to graduate high school. You’re the reason I got to graduate college. And you’re the reason I’m writing this article right now. So much of my success in life is because of you and I am so sorry I never said thank you. You mean the world and more to me. As corny as it sounds, I could never have done any of this without you.

Now that we’re here, I’d love to look back on all these struggles and laugh at them with you. My life is so much better because of you and for that, I can never thank you enough.