As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found myself forgetting to thank my parents for everything they do for me. They’ve stood by me for 19 years, teaching me and watching me grow. Now, I’m in college and they aren’t there every day. Pretty soon, I’ll be on my own completely, but I know they’ll always be there if I need them.

So here’s a list of things I would like to say “thank you” to my parents for:

1.Thank you for putting up with me when I’m not so easy to put up with.

I know I'm difficult to put up with, but I know you'll always love me regardless.

2.Thank you for always providing everything I need and putting me first.

3.Thank you for teaching me to stand up for myself.

You've taught me to be strong and independent and given me the right amount of crazy to do it.

4.Thank you for allowing me to make my own decisions but always ready to step in if I need it.

That's what has made me so independent.

5.Thank you for raising me in church and allowing me to make decisions about my faith.

6.Thank you for teaching me to have a sense of humor.

If there's one thing we do a lot of in our house, it's laugh.

7.Thank you for giving me two brothers, who I love unconditionally.

8.Thank you for usually being right, even though I don’t like to admit it.

9.Thank you for laughing when I mess up.

It has kept me from being too sensitive about everything.

10.Thank you for allowing me to choose the activities I’m involved in.

You knew I wasn't going to be an athlete and you never pushed me to try to be one.

11.Thank you for buying me all those things I know I didn’t need.

12.Thank you for pushing me to reach my goals.

Even though I complain about how I got in trouble in high school for not making an A, it has really paid off.

13.Thank you for the opportunity to attend the college of my choice.

14.Thank you for the 19 years of laughter and memories.

15.Thank you for being understanding and easy to talk to.

I know I can come to you for anything.

16.Thank you for being a positive influence for me.

I've learned a lot about life and hard work just from watching you.

17.Thank you for never giving up.

18.Thank you for being so proud of me.

But most importantly…

19.Thank you for loving me unconditionally.