Dear Mom and Dad,

It's been a crazy eighteen years, I'd say. And not in the worst way, but the best. I can't imagine doing life with anyone else. You two are an incredible joy in my life, and I am forever thankful and grateful to you both. I'm sure sacrificing everything to help me live the life I've wanted to live was a lot, but I hope you know it hasn't gone unnoticed. I'm sure sending me off to college wasn't the easiest thing, and it isn't for me either. I miss you both dearly and I want you to know a few things. Especially this: every little thing counts.

Every kid takes their parents for granted, and I know I certainly have. But at the end of the day, and especially now, it all counts. And I’m sorry it took until last year/months with you guys to realize just how lucky I am to have you two as parents. Thank you for being excited when you found out I was a thing instead of panicking and giving up on family because “you were young and not ready." I will be forever grateful to you, and someday I hope to be just as good of a parent as you guys. And I swear to you I’m going to have to warn my kids of how spoiled they’re going to be by their grandparents (or at least you better). Thank you for always putting me first. You place me in front of everything because you care, love, and adore me. Thank you for showing me what it means to pursue the Lord and His ways for my life. Your support and your proudness of how much I am in love with the Lord means a lot, and also to God Himself because He’s probably up there dancing and thinking, “I’ve done well with all three."

Thank you for supporting my decisions. I’ve never been one to believe in myself, but you two always have and at the end of the day, YOU KNOW that I can do anything and accomplish anything I desire and set myself out to do, so yeah, thanks for believing in me, as well. Thank you for preparing me for the real world and not sugar coating reality. And most importantly, thanks for your love. I’m incredibly, incredibly lucky to have such amazing parents who love me so much and put me first. Like I said earlier, I can’t describe how thankful I am and how much I love the both of you. I love you as individuals, and I love you as parents. I am forever thankful to the Lord for how much He has blessed me with such amazing people I refer to as “my parents." I love you guys with all of my heart.

Your daughter,

Caroline