"Parents aren't the people you come from. They're the people you want to be when you grow up."

~ Jodi Picoult

Mom and Dad,

Thank you for always being my rock. Whatever new step I've taken in life, you both have always been right there behind me, pushing me to do my best and always believing in me, even when I failed.

Thank you for showing me the value of hard work. You've taught me that nothing is ever handed to you, and if you want something you will always have to work for it. I can't imagine a life lesson that has gotten me farther than this, it's gotten me through that full time summer job for the last five years, its gotten me into a great college, inspired me to reach for dreams that seem impossible, and much more.

Thank you for always only being a phone call away. Whenever I'm stressed with school, boys, or just life in general I know I can talk to you guys. It's kind of like a therapy session that you don't have to pay for, and I always feel better after talking to you both.

Thank you for being my biggest fan. No one else would be willing to watch every high school game, listen to every band concert, sit through academic ceremonies, or watch a college marching band show like you guys. Your support is everything, and without it, who knows where I would be.

Thank you for not giving me everything I wanted. Lets be honest, when I was a kid and didn't get everything I asked for, I was disappointed and probably mad. But THANK YOU. After seeing some of today's generation, I couldn't be more grateful that I wasn't just handed everything in life. This lesson is one that takes time to understand, but as you grow older you can only appreciate the fact that you are not the child that was given everything and also the attitude that comes with it.

Thank you for making me independent. No ones ever fully prepared to leave home, no matter how much you think you are, and I still get homesick at times. But the independence you've taught me has allowed me to thrive away from you both, making decisions for myself now, and making the right ones. Because of you both preparing me to one day do things on my own, you taught me to be dependent on myself and no one else for the things that matter, to always have confidence in myself and what I can do, and to always control my own destiny, never letting someone else make choices for me.

Thank you for showing me the parent I want to be. No set of parents are perfect, and I can remember times where I said "I'll never do that to my kids". But I was wrong. Everything you both have done for me has always been out of love or to protect me. And look where I am now because of it! I can only hope to one day raise my own children as you have with me, teaching them every lesson you've showed me, believing in them 100% no matter what they're attempting, and being there for them when things go wrong.

Thank you for making me who I am. Everything that you both have showed me over the last 20 years could never be learned in a classroom. It's scary to imagine the person I could have turned out to be without both of your guidance, patience, and support. I owe everything to you both and could never repay you. Love ya <3