To my parents, my biggest supporters, my literal "A 1's since day one"...

Thank you. Those words carry little meaning when you have given me the universe, and I have only been able to give you what seems like a small spec of dust in this vast world. As I come upon my real "adult" years, about to venture more into the real world, a scary place full of people that are not as caring, loving, compassionate, forgiving, and understanding as you, I am terrified to say the least. However, I know full well that you have prepared me to take on whatever challenges may come my way. You have filled my tool box with a multitude of necessary items for success. Here are just a few that I recall:

When you showed me it's okay to make mistakes.

Whether I was five years old, lying about something I broke instead of telling the truth, or now that I'm 22 and tell you how badly I screwed up on an exam or at a swim meet, I still know how to pick myself up, dust myself off, and start again. You have told me time and time again that it is human nature to be imperfect, and it has taken me this many years to finally appreciate flaws and mistakes made. Though I still get frustrated, my ability to handle my mistakes has grown as you both have helped me better myself along the way.

There is more to life than perfection.

This one kind of goes along with the previous, but it holds a special place in my heart. There is no perfect person. Mom would often repeat this to me as I was in tears over something silly like grades, not making a cut in swimming, or not performing well at an orchestra concert. I cannot be perfect at everything, and that is okay. However, I can be the best first rate version of myself. Mom and dad, thank you for showing me that you don't have to be perfect to succeed, be accomplished, be loved, or be satisfied. You just have to give life your best, and that will be good enough.

Have faith in whatever you do, especially yourself.

I often struggle with this one, but I have gained so much from having faith in myself as well as trusting in a plan that is bigger than me. Thank you for giving me my religious background, as well as my faith in myself. Without your support, I would not be where I am today, quite literally I might add. I'm still learning, and I'm still growing. Thank you for letting me do so with your kindness and care.

A parent's love is the most special love.

From driving me countless hours to swim practices, band concerts, or flying me across the world so I can do medical mission work, you have truly given me the universe. You have provided me with every opportunity possible to fulfill my dreams, learn more about the world, and pursue whatever I may desire. You are both my solid foundation, my rock upon which I continue to build much of my life. Thank you for the immense effort you put into raising me to be the woman I am today. I am always proud to have you as my parents, the one's who will go to the ends of the earth for their family. I hope to one day be as great as you both. All my love, always.

To all of the parents out there- thank you.