This is an informal letter to my parents.

I just wanted to truly say thank you, Mom and Dad, from the bottom of my heart. You guys did a wonderful job raising all five of us and you two have continued to love each other through all of the ups and the downs. Thank you for everything. Thank you for giving me life, supporting me in everything I do, raising me with strong morals, teaching me to believe in myself, teaching me a good work ethic, loving me, and always being there for me. I wouldn’t be me—without you.

How crazy is it that you two met on a blind date and have created a wonderful family and strong bond between each other? Your relationship inspires me every day. But, the point of me writing this to you is to say thank you for showing me what true love looks like. Showing me what being in a healthy relationship is and for showing me that finding your soul mate is possible. These days, a lot of my friends and peers have parents that have gotten divorced or separated and it makes my heart hurt for them and their parents. And I do understand, life is complicated and some relationships don’t work out. Divorce is so common these days; it seems like it has almost become a norm of our society.

I love you guys so much and I probably don’t say it enough. I am so thankful to have you two in my life because I get to see what true love looks like. I think a lot of individuals have a hard time believing that there is somebody out there for them. I even have a hard time truly imagining that I will meet "the one" someday. But every time I start to doubt myself or doubt that there is anyone out there for me, I look at the relationship that you have created. You are two of the most in love individuals I have ever met.

Dad, you still open the car door for Mom every single time you go somewhere together. You have a "date night" which is every Wednesday. And you do everything together: travel the world, go on dates all the time, go to concerts, grocery shop, run errands, work together, raise a family, and you even built a home together. You have a deep connection and a strong relationship because you have built your foundation on trust and respect. You have done it all together and have continued to grow your love for one another after 25 years of marriage.

I really strongly believe that you shouldn't change who you are as an individual just to fit your partners' wants or needs. You guys taught me that if you want to change who you are, then do it for yourself. Don't ever change solely because of somebody else. And do not ever lower your standards or morals just to be in a relationship. While you go through the dating process and meet new people, make sure you stay true to yourself and what you believe in. Being single can be really hard and lonely at times—believe me, I know. But I truly do think that there is somebody out there for everyone. Be patient, meet tons of new people, go on lots of dates and remember that your soul mate is out there—go find them!

So thank you, Mom and Dad, for showing me that true love exists and that my person is out there, I just haven't found them yet. And you never know, you might end up meeting your soulmate on a blind date!

"Our universe grants every soul a twin—a reflection of themselves—the kindred spirit – And no matter where they are or how far away they are from each other—even if they are in different dimensions, they will always find one another. This is destiny; this is love." —Julie Dillon