Thank you to the mothers and fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, or even older siblings for stepping up and raising some beautiful humans to love and accept the diversity among our neighbors.
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other..."
-Ephesians 4:31
But a very big thank you to the two people who have formed me into the young adult I am more than proud to be today, my own role models, Mom and Dad.
To my Parents, I thank you with everything I have in my body that you have raised me to be a loving, accepting, and encouraging young adult who never judges a book by its cover. You both do not know how helpful that was going through elementary school, middle school, high school, and now throughout college. I have met so many amazing and different people with that little push from you both.
Thank you for showing me that everyone is fighting a different battle and going through changes is always better with a friend by your side. You have motivated me to want to sit next to the kid in class who seemed to like being alone rather than being accompanied. They have opened my mind to so many different outlooks on life that are so beautiful it could bring the most hateful person to tears. Thank you for introducing me to those friends of mine. You have motivated me to stick up for others when it is necessary and to never speak of someones name in bad tone without thinking about the outcomes. Thank you for raising me to be a friend and not a bully.
Thank you for teaching me the correct sense of humor when it comes to conversations between friends. I can not tell you how many conversations and jokes I have heard that have left me speechless by the amount of disrespect leaving the mouth of someone so bitter. And when I become angry hearing those ugly, ugly conversations and disrespectful jokes about another human being, just know I think of you both for comfort. Because I know not everyone has the strength to accept people for who they are.
Mom and Dad, thank you for giving me strength to accept everyone for who they are.
Last but not least, thank you for giving me a great example of what love and acceptance is and for making me realize how I would want to raise the family of my own one day. I will teach my future children to make a habit of shutting down conversations that aim to tear others down. Thank you for teaching me so much these past twenty years, and I could only image the knowledge to come as I take on this crazy yet beautiful thing called life.
I love and thank God that you are my parents. Thank you for making me love, instead of hate. Thank you for raising me to be selfless.
Love Always,
Your Proud Daughter
