An Open Letter to My Parents Before I Graduate

An Open Letter to My Parents Before I Graduate

Thank you for believing in me and for giving me the world.

Alexa Warford
Alexa Warford Dec 10, 2018
286
views

Dear Mom and Dad,

It's been a long journey, but the day we have collectively dreamed about is finally here. From the very beginning, you both encouraged me to follow my heart. You supported this dream of mine and while many worried about the career opportunities I would have down the road, you guy's never worried. I can't thank you enough for believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself. Not many kids are fortunate enough to have parents that support and believe in their dreams.

It feels like just yesterday you were moving me into the dorms. I remember thinking college would never end and there was no way I would get over the homesickness. After many phone calls home, you guys convinced me that this scared feeling would pass and I would soon find my way. As time went on, there were fewer phone calls home filled with tears. I found friends, I got a job, and I got involved. Again, you guys were always there to give me a little nudge to put myself out there and to have fun. It paid off and if you hadn't encouraged me, I wouldn't have met the friends I am now having to say goodbye too.

Thank you for weathering every tear-filled phone call, threats to drop out, and stress-induced sassy comments with such grace. After surviving 6 finals weeks at college, I know you guys are just as happy they are officially over as much as I am. While many people have congratulated me for my efforts in college, it was a collective effort between the three of us. This degree I am receiving is just as much yours as it is mine because you helped me achieve it.

Thank you for giving me the gift of an education. From the bottom of my heart, I can't thank you enough for the gift that is being debt free after graduation. I know you both had to sacrifice and save a lot for me to be able to do this, so please know it does not go unrecognized. You could have spent it on yourselves but you decided to invest in my future. Since you decided to do this, I will have more doors open to me. I am very blessed and I promise to make you proud of whatever I do in my life and in my career.

We did it! I couldn't ask for better parents and a better support team than you two. It's hard to believe this chapter in our lives is over. I hate to admit you are right when you guys said: "you'll miss this someday". I am afraid of the unknown and the impending adulthood that awaits me on the other side of the stage at graduation, but I know as long as I have you two I will be okay. Please don't worry about me, as I am positive I will find my way. Know that you raised me with a strong independent spirit and because of that I will keep fighting until I get what I want out of this life. I thank God for you two and this experience I have had every day. Thank you for believing in a kid with a dream and helping them achieve it. Here's to my future that is far brighter now because of the lifelong gift you have given me.

Love,

Your Graduate

Alexa Warford
Alexa Warford Dec 10, 2018
At Michigan State University

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Dear Mom, Now That I'm Older

A letter to the woman who made me the woman I am today.
Taylor Ann Renner
Taylor Ann Renner Jan 23, 2017
250910
views

Dear Mom,

Now that I'm older, I definitely appreciate you a lot more than I did as a kid. I appreciate the little things, from the random text messages to constantly tagging me on Facebook in your "funny" photos and sending me pins of stuff I like on Pinterest. Now that I'm older, I can look back and realize that everything I am is all because of you. You've made me strong but realize it's okay to cry. You've shown me how a mother gives everything to her children to give them a better life than she had, even when she's left with nothing. And, most importantly you've taught me to never give up and without this, I would not be where I am today.

Mom, now that I'm older, I realize that you're the best friend I'm ever going to have. You cheer me on when I try new things and support me in deciding to be whatever person I want to be. Thank you for never telling me I can't do something and helping me figure out ways to be the best woman I can be. Your love for me is unconditional. They say true, unconditional love can only come from God, but mom, I think you're a pretty close second.

SEE ALSO: An Open Letter To The Cool Mom

Now that I'm older, I don't get to see you as much. But not seeing you as much just makes the times I do get to see you the absolute best, and I look forward to it every time. Now that I'm older, I'm not going to live at home. But, I promise to always come back because I know the door is always open. Your house is always going to be my home, and no other place is going to be the same.

Now that I'm older, I realize how much I miss you taking care of me. I miss you making me dinner, making sure I was doing well in school, and taking me to endless appointments. I miss you waking me up for school and then waking me up again because I didn't listen the first time.

But, Mom, now that I'm older, I can see all that you've done for me. I can look back and see how big of a brat I was but you still loved me (and let me live) anyways. I can understand why you did certain things and frankly, you're one bada** of a woman.

To have you as my mom and my best friend has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. So, Mom, now that I'm older, thank you, for everything.

Love,

Your Daughter

Taylor Ann Renner
Taylor Ann Renner Jan 23, 2017
At University of Cincinnati

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11 Pieces Of Fatherly Advice Everyone Needs To Be Reminded Of

The greatest man in the world is bound to give the greatest advice.

Emma Laughlin
Emma Laughlin Jan 16, 2019
553
views

Months and months ago my father wrote down his favorite quotes and pieces of advice for himself after reading my favorite book, "Tuesdays With Morrie."

He has always given me stellar advice about love, loss and self-worth. Now, I will share it with the world.

This one is for you, Dad.

1. Be bold but not aggressive

This is a personal favorite of mine, especially as an extrovert. I sometimes worry that being the open person I am that I come off too strong or too abrasive.

With this piece of advice though, I remind myself not to "overdo" it. Just be natural.

2. Be confident with room for humility

If there is one thing I have learned from my father it is humility. A sense of humbleness.

I am proud of the person I am, but I have learned to never think I am above anyone else or that I am more important.

3. Love others with all your heart and family with all you are

We are loving people in this household and this piece of advice proves just that.

Despite who you are or what you come off to be, it is important to love friends and lovers with every part of yourself to ensure you did everything you could.

It is important to love family with all you are because lots of the time they made you who you are in the first place.

4. When it comes to dating, even if you don't love them make sure you at least respect them

Not every person you date is "the one." Not every person you date you are going to marry.

Even so, at least respect that person you are seeing. Be polite, be courteous, be kind — be respectful to their needs even if you can't love them.

5. Be patient when it comes to true love, it is rare but so fine

My parents have a love like no other.

They are true loves, soulmates and life partners, BUT it also took time for them to get married.

6. Reserve the harshest judgement for yourself

Tough love is normal. Critiquing is normal.

What is not normal is being cruel and inconsiderate. Leave the harshest judgment for behind closed doors, in a mirror — not towards others.

7. Be tolerant but not submissive

Be patient and kind, to a point. Do not settle for something you do not deserve. Be grateful for what is fair.

8. Don't sweat the small stuff — everything is small stuff

This piece of advice speaks for itself. Do not stress the things that are out of your control. Do not get upset over little things.

In a short period of time, you won't even remember it.

9. Live with passion

Be motivated in your work, in your love, in your friendships and yourself. Living life to the fullest with joy in your heart makes for the best life.

10. Treat the elderly with honor and respect

My dad says that time is a teacher and knowledge is acquired. If it weren't for our elders, we wouldn't learn from the past.

11. Have courage and be kind — remember all your grace

This has become my motto in life. I think it means to be fearless, do things that scare you and stand up for yourself while still being a good person and better yet a KIND person.

It is important to know yourself and be true to you.

So, thank you, dad, for all your words of advice. I couldn't have lived this beautiful life without you.

Emma Laughlin
Emma Laughlin Jan 16, 2019
At Aspiring Journalism Professionals

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