Mom. Dad.

Let me first just start off by saying I love you and I appreciate all the time, effort and most importantly, the love you've put into raising me and lil bro. You've sacrificed a lot, and at a young age, too.

I guess I'll just move right into the apologies. I'm sorry I was (and still am) a brat. A dramatic one, at that. I've always been extremely grateful for the things I've been given, and I just want to thank you for being the parents that made me work for a lot of the things I really wanted. That's something that I hated at the time, but now that I'm older realize it's made me into a more responsible, thankful being today.

I'm sorry that I don't like to do anything when I'm told to do it. Actually...yeah...I don't know if I'll grow out of that, but I'm sorry. I like to do things on my own terms, but they do get done. I promise I'll load the dishes like I said I would...later...

I'm sorry that I break "curfew." Being that I'm almost 20, I still will probably fight this a lot. But I'm trying to respect your rules and decisions, since I'm still living at home. However, just know that when I am out, I'm being safe and if I'm not being safe, I'll call or text you to let you know what's going on. I'm in an awkward phase in my life where I want to go out and be crazy while I still can, but I don't want to hurt myself in the process. I get that you guys are just trying to be protective, I really do. But please just know that I wouldn't do anything intentionally to screw up my life forever. I do have boundaries. You guys have experienced a lot since you're older than me, obviously, but I need to experience things on my own, too.

Thank you for all the support and help you've given me throughout high school and already into college. I've made and lost friends. Dealt with a few heartbreaks. Went through a couple weird phases of not knowing who I wanted to be. Needed help making a budget (still need help keeping up with that). You've taught me to cook, how to take care of myself alone, and everything else. I appreciate that more than words can explain. There's a lot of people who don't know how to make their own food, or have to have their mom's still do their laundry. I'm very happy I learned that at a young age, although I know I was super duper annoyed when you taught me.

I could write on and on about all the things you guys have helped me accomplish, but then I would have thousands of words.

I know we have several differences. I like tattoos, I listen to music you guys don't like listening to, I like to dye my hair and get piercings—the list goes on. But one thing we have in common is our bond. I'm so glad we do have that in common. I wouldn't want anyone else to be my parents. Thank you guys. I love you to the moon, stars and all the beings out there.