Mom and Dad,

There is so much I want to say, it is going to be hard for me to put it all into words. You have been there for me 24/7 over the past twenty-one years and counting. You were there when I took my first steps, said my first word, walked into the school for the first time as a student, and walked out of that same school as a graduate. You shaped me into the person I am today, and someone I can be proud of. But, more importantly, you shaped me into someone you can be proud of.

I know, I was not easy to take care of. I always cried as a baby, and getting me to stop was a hassle. I apologize for that. Thank you for being so patient with me though, because I can imagine it wasn't easy.

Thank you for always making time for us. Some of my fondest childhood memories are playing catch out in the yard and going to the gym to play ball. Not all parents make that kind of time for their children, and I hope you know how much we all appreciate the time you make for us. These activities, which seemed small when they were happening, ultimately made us even closer as a family, and for that I am so grateful.

You also made time to come to all of our extracurricular activities, which I know wasn't easy. And although I hated hearing you yelling during the games, which inevitably happened at every single game I ever played, I appreciated having your support in whatever I decided to do. There were very few games you didn't come to, but even if you weren't there I still heard from you about how the game went and always told me how good I did (even when I played terribly).

You guys instilled the idea of hard work into us, and taught us to chase our dreams. I don't remember either of you ever telling us that something wasn't possible, because anything is possible if you work hard enough. You never pushed me to do anything I didn't want to do, but were always there to give me some advice and ideas, and I know I wouldn't be where I am right now without you.

Thank you for showing us what true love looks like. In a world where love seems less and less realistic, you show us that it is real and is worth the hard work that inevitably has to be put in to make it work. We are so blessed to have been raised with your example, which will carry us through all of the relationships we will have in the future.

Family is one of the most important things in life, and that is something that you have always taught us. Not only do you teach us how important it is to get along with each other, which is very difficult at times, but also by the example you set. Although I didn't really understand the importance of it when I was younger, now that I look back I'm so glad to have gotten to the point where I realize how important it is.

Thank you for all the sleepless nights, late night meltdowns over how messy the house is, arguments over stupid little things, and constant running around for anything and everything. I want you to know that I know it wasn't easy, but I appreciate everything you went through to raise us.

Faith, family, academics, athletics. This is our family motto, and how accurately these four things portray our family is unbelievable. Thank you for showing us that if you keep these four things at the forefront of your life everything else falls into place.

Thank you for always putting us first. From not going out with friends because we were home to storming into the school because one of us was treated unjustly, you always put what was best for us ahead of what was best for yourselves.

I know there are times where you question how you are doing raising us, and I want you to know that really there is no question. You can look at any of us and see the successful young adults we are becoming, and all of the credit for that goes to you. You showed us what we needed to become successful and that hard work is needed to do that, and we have you to thank for where we are currently at.

There are so many other things I feel like I need to say, but in reality there aren't any words to describe how much you both mean to me and the tremendous impact you have had on my life. You always say we are a part of you now, and I hope you realize you are also a big part of us, and in every decision I make I think of you both. You are both some of the most caring and loving individuals in the world, and I am so blessed to be able to call you Mom and Dad.

I love you to the moon and back,

Your Baby Girl