Dear Mom and Dad,

It’s been only about two months since I moved away to college, and after being home these past few days, I can really say that I’ve been blessed in life: blessed to be at an amazing school and blessed to have you as my parents. While I did the typical college student shtick and brought back a bag full of laundry, I also brought back appreciation for everything that you two have done for me throughout my entire life.

From the first time I saw you after moving to college, it was like a dream come true. I remember sprinting from the second floor of Sheahan down to the parking lot and nearly tackling Mom into the car in a bear hug, and then hugging both of you tightly just to show you how much I missed you. And every time I’ve seen you since, that emotion of missing you hasn’t diminished at all. Every visit from you and every trip home is a breath of much needed fresh air, something that I hopefully won’t ever take for granted.

When you left campus on August 24, 2016, I didn’t think I was ready to leave the nest. I thought that without you I would flounder and drown in this journey we call life. I thought that without my parents there to hold my hands and help me, I was doomed to fail. However, as much as I hate to admit it, you two leaving to go home to your empty nest was the push I needed to start maturing and taking the initiative for myself. Through tears I made it through my first day of band camp, and the next day, and the next. But once I fell into a routine, things became easier. I didn’t have the time to dwell on the fact that my parents were nearly two hours away, I had rehearsals and classes and friends to focus on.

Even though I couldn’t dwell on missing you all that much, I still missed you – and I still do now, every day. I didn’t think that I’d call nearly every day, especially since I didn’t even think twice about not texting or calling during precollege; but without you there every day, it’s hard for me to not hear your voice. It’s hard for me to not have goodnight hugs or nights where we just sit in front of the TV not talking or doing anything, because you were there all the time and I was used to it.

Now, without you here with me at college, I’ve really began to realize how much I appreciate you, Mom and Dad. No longer will I take those hugs for granted. No longer will I pass up an opportunity to talk to you on the phone or respond to a text message or say “no” to a visit from you guys on the weekend. And when I go home, you can bet that I’m going to be extremely appreciative of you helping me with chores and providing a home filled with love and happiness to come back to.

I love you so much, Mom and Dad. Never forget that, because I’ll never forget how much you love me, too.