Dear Mama and Papa,

I cannot put into words how thankful I am for having both of you in my life. I have learned so much from the two of you and for that, I am truly thankful. You have taught me how to be patient, compassionate, forgiving, supportive, strong, faithful, and, most importantly, how to love and be loved. I never thanked you enough and I know I never will be able to, but I promise that I will never stop striving to make you both proud.

To my inspiration, my confidant, and my best friend,

Mom, thank you for the endless hours spent comforting me when I thought my world was crashing down.

Thank you for sitting on the phone with me for hours on end, no matter what time of the day. Thank you for listening to me talk about all of my problems that were completely blown out of proportion, and for teaching me how to learn from them.

Thank you for your incredible sense of humor and your complete inability to tell jokes.

Thank you for teaching me the little things, like cooking tuna casserole or washing colors on cold.

Thank you for putting up with my constant mood swings and proving time and time again that I don't know everything.

Thank you for never giving up on me.

Thank you for (trying) to teach me how to budget.

Thank you for being my travel buddy.

Thank you for being able to spot fake friends from a mile away, and for comforting me when I didn't believe you. You were always right.

Thank you for teaching me how to stay strong in my faith, no matter what is going on around me. Thank you for showing me how to fearfully and endlessly love our God.

Thank you for showing me how to do my eyebrows and why highlights aren't for everyone.

Thank you for "slaving over the stove," even if the food was a little spicy.

Thank you for keeping my life constant and comfortable, no matter what.

I don't say it enough, but thank you for being you. Thank you for everything, Mama. I love you so much.

To my rock, my role model, and my protector,

Papa, thank you for all the tough love. Thank you for showing me my true worth and how a woman should be treated.

Thank you for getting on to me when my grades weren't good enough and making me realize that I can do better.

Thank you for showing me what hard work looks like and to never give up.

Thank you for coaching me from the sidelines, even when you had no idea what you were talking about.

Thank you for all the math problems at the dinner table and constant grammar corrections.

Thank you for teaching me how to make real bread pudding and crawfish Jean Philippe.

Thank you for taking us all around the world and keeping us cultured.

Thank you for not only handling but making me learn from my many, many car troubles.

Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for being patient with me, even when I seemed helpless.

Thank you for teaching me how to be strong and stand up for my self.

Thank you for taking care of me when I was sick, even if the medicine made me even sicker.

Thank you for showing me all of the classics, everything from New Age Girl to The Shining.

Thank you for all of the candy, chocolate ice cream, and bunny bread when all mom had to snack on was fruit, vegetables, and wheat bread.

I know I always complained, but thank you for being strict. Thank you for waiting up for me and always making sure I was safe.

More importantly, thank you for always keeping me safe.

I'll never be able to thank you enough for everything you have sacrificed for me. Eyes nose ears. I love you, Papa.

Mom and Papa, thank you for making me a better person every single day. Thank you for teaching me what true love looks like, and that it never falters. Thank you for the many lessons you've taught me and will teach me. Thank you for loving me for who I am. Thank you for giving Tres and me the life that every child deserves and for setting the perfect example of how parents should be. Thank you both for everything.

With all my love,

Katy Bug