Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you for being the people that you are. Being away from home and away from you has made me realize and appreciate all you do and all you are all the more. I owe everything to you and you are the motivation behind everything that I do. You guys may not have gone to college, but you're the smartest people I know. I am endlessly proud of you and indescribably proud to be your son. I apologize from the bottom of my heart for the times I ever made you feel underappreciated because you two deserve the world, and I will work for the rest of my life to try to give it to you.
Mom, you are forever the number one woman in my life. I know we may not see eye to eye on everything, but you raised me right and I never want you to question that. You taught me about compassion. You've showed me the importance of loving everyone, regardless of how different they may be from me. You have the biggest heart of anyone I know. I love you for that and so do those around you. They don't realize how blessed they are to know you. Leaving you when I went away for college was one of the hardest things about going away to school, but I think it has made our relationship even stronger. When I'm away, I can more clearly see how much you have done for me. I am able to survive out here because of everything you instilled in me growing up. Your unwavering faith, love, and strength inspire me every second of my life. That is how I carry you with me, wherever I go.
Dad, thank you for always being my number one fan. Thank you for teaching me what it means to be a man. You are my best friend and the voice of reason when I need it. You can always help me put things into perspective and you never fail to remind me that I am strong. I wouldn't have that strength if it weren't for you and Mom. I have two of the strongest role models to be inspired by. I'll never forget the time you drove with me to my college orientation. You let me sleep through the night while you powered through and stayed alone in the hotel room while I was at orientation. Before we went home, we stopped at Alamo Square. As we looked out over the Painted Ladies and the city beyond, I was telling you I was nervous to go away, to be on my own. I was worried about how we were going to pay for all my college expenses. You turned to me and said, "Joe, you know I'll always fight for you." I will always hold that day in my heart because it reminds me to be grateful to be living this life because you made so many sacrifices to get me to where I am today.
No amount of words can accurately describe the love I have for the two of you. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for allowing me to be myself unapologetically. Thank you for not forcing school on me because that allowed me to flourish and develop a deep love and appreciation for learning. Thank you for allowing me to chase my dreams and supporting me unreservedly. Thank you for loving each other so completely and giving me a wonderful family. Thank you for letting me live my life and never doubting me. You have dedicated your lives to our family and I don't know how to thank you for that. I thank God for you two everyday because I would truly be nothing without you. I love you with all my heart. I will make you proud one day. I promise.
