Our world is scary right now. There is so much corruption that I sometimes wonder how people go about turning out like that. What happened growing up that made them turn into such horrible people? Was it their parents who molded them into untrustworthy people?

Or were they neglected so much that they act out because they feel invisible?

I try so hard to get inside their heads just because I want a reason for why or how it's possible for people to act this way.

Whatever article you read, or news you watch, it eventually all comes back to the parents.

I like to think I'm a pretty damn good kid, but I know that's because I have pretty damn good parents.

Mom, Dad...

Thank you for raising me right.

Thank you for teaching me to say thank you when someone gives me something or does something for me..Even if it was already given to me or done for me, you taught me to appreciate everything that came my way. It seems like such a simple thing, and yet so many don't do it.

Thank you for making the kind of chicken I like even when everyone else at the table enjoyed the grilled. Thank you for never complaining while doing it, and knowing each time I'd enjoy it without asking.

Thank you for pretending to like the tickets I got you-to the musician I thought you listened to-but actually haven't in years. Your smiles never faded, and neither did mine.

Thank you for teaching me to respect everyone. Not just elders, policemen, or soldiers, but everyone. You taught me to show love for anything breathing, and I know because of you both I've turned into someone others like being around.

Thank you for teaching me to say "I'm great, how are you?" I can't tell you how many times I ask this question to someone younger and get nothing in return. It's good to know the lessons you taught when I was so little reflect on my character today.

Thank you for never letting me quit the sport. Thank you for making me tough it out until the season was over. I learned to never quit something because it bores me or is too hard, and I really think it has paid off for me. Not just with physical activities, but my relationships, education, and career as well.

Thank you for making me get braces, sending me to my room, taking my phone away when I was disrespectful, making me reach for the stars and not fall short.

But even more importantly,

Thank you for teaching me that it's okay to reach for the stars and fall short as long as you continue trying.

I owe a lot to you both. I can feel what a good person I am. I'm not even trying to toot my own horn, but I'm really proud of how well you raised me. I care for others that don't care enough for themselves, I work really hard everyday to make others and myself proud, and I love this life I live.

I was nurtured, cared for, respected, educated, and loved.

You two are the biggest reasoning behind that, so I know I'm really lucky.

Not everyone gets that in life, so Mom...Dad,

Thank you for raising me right.