Dear Mom and Dad,

As I near my 21 birthday, it seems appropriate to reflect back on my life and relive some wonderful memories. While these memories and experiences have been vastly diverse, each of them share one thing in common: They were made possible because of you.

It was because of you that I had the opportunity to try anything and everything I wanted as a child. Gymnastics, tap dancing, piano, softball, travel soccer, Girl Scouts, choir, basketball, cross country and track. If there were practices to drive to, meetings to attend, or lessons to be paid for, you did it. You got me there so I could pursue the things I loved.

It was because of you that I got to travel Europe and New York City, and will explore Vietnam in three short months. Neither of you has left North America, and without any inkling of apprehension, you sent me not only to different states but to four different countries on two different continents.

You spend every weekend from September to November and from late January to April driving hours away to watch me compete for under 25 minutes. Last weekend alone, you made a two-and-a-half hour round trip to watch me run one race that wasn't even six minutes long. You've traveled to Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Virginia, Alabama, and South Carolina just so that I could compete and that you could watch.

I thank you not only for making these sacrifices and giving me these opportunities but for so much more. While these experiences have been amazing in every respect of the word, they pale in comparison to the other things you've done for me as a parent.

Thank you for showing me what unconditional love is. Even though Dad is the biggest goofball in the entire world and Mom's coffee addiction is a subject of mild concern, you two exemplify a healthy, real relationship.

Thank you for allowing me to make mistakes. You gave me guidance but you never forced me to behave in a certain way or make a decision the way you wanted it to be made. What's more, even when I made a mistake that you probably could have prevented, you cared and comforted rather than scolded and reprimanded.

Thank you for keeping me healthy and safe. You allowed me to grow up in one of the safest cities in America, with top-notch public schools. You took me to a wonderful pediatrician, dentist, and eye doctor. You rushed me to the emergency room when I was 16, you encouraged me to exercise and eat healthfully, and you always took care of me when I was sick.

Thank you for teaching me the importance of an education. You were strict on studying and making sure I completed my schoolwork on time. While it may have been annoying as an elementary school student, now I will graduate with honors from my college.

Thank you for always making time for family. Even though you both work full-time jobs, you still are home by 6:00 nearly every evening for a family dinner and time spent together watching a show, working on a puzzle, or just chatting over a bowl of ice cream.

Thank you for doing everything you've done for me. This short letter can't even begin to cover what I'm thankful for, but if I truly listed everything, you'd have a letter the length of an encyclopedia. I am always grateful and forever indebted to you for sacrificing, teaching, and supporting me to help me grow into the woman I am.

Love always,

Me