Dear Mom and Dad,

Ma and Pa, Mama Bear and Papa Bear, Mom and Pops,

Let me just start off by saying, I’m so sorry I was such a pain to raise. I know I didn’t make it easy on you guys, but you can be proud that all your hard work payed off and now you have a kid excelling (sometimes) in college and making a name for herself in the world.

Thank you guys for going through all my phases with me; from polka dots and hair bows to skinny jeans and black eyeliner, and now sticking with me through my “I have no clue what I want to do in life…can I live with you forever” stage--although this may not be a stage and you’re stuck with me forever.

I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for you both; I wouldn’t know how to stand up for my beliefs and values if you didn’t teach me the importance of my singular voice; I wouldn’t be able to debate my way through life if you didn’t provide a safe space for me to think while growing up.

Thank you for providing a space for me to be loved in, even when I’m being a Grade-A asshole, and for showing me that I don’t always have to like you guys but that I always have to love you.

Thank you for showing me what a family is supposed to be, and thank you for showing me what I want my future family to be like.

Mom—

When I was little I wanted to be whatever you were, and I still do. I want to be a good mother, who lays down at night only after all her kids are fed, tucked in and kissed on the forehead. I want to work hard like you do, in my work field and my house. I’m going to teach my kids the value of cleaning the kitchen before you go to bed and to always have music playing in the house.

I want to be full of love and ideas like you are; I want to be able to bake like you do; I want to learn how to make a bed as nicely as you do; I want to be at least half the mother you are.

Dad—

When I was little, I thought you were so strong, and I still think that to this day. I know when I’m packing my car to head off to school, that you’re the master packer and lifter. I hope one day to find someone, like mom found in you. I hope my future husband is strong, caring and goofy. From you, I’m going to teach my kids how to change the oil on the car and how to fix whatever is broken, whether that be a table, or a promise.

I want to be strong like you; I want to be as silly as you; I want to learn how to wash a car to pristine condition like you do. I hope one day, that my husband will be half the father you were to me and the boys.

I know I’m far away from home and growing up, and that I don’t call as often as I should, but rest assured, I’m taking all the values you taught me as a little girl and putting them into all aspects of my life. You can sleep soundly at night knowing I still say “yes ma’am", "yes sir” and that “please” and “thank you” are a part of my daily vocabulary.

I promise that when I’m not at home, I’m thinking about you guys every day, wishing I could share all aspects of my cool college life with you. I miss you guys every day, and I’m expecting you to tell all your cool friends about your super cool daughter.

Thank you for giving me all the opportunities that I could want in life, showing me love, and for giving me respect.

I love you guys to Pluto and back.