I grew up in a household that was filled with love. Love for each other, love for others, and love for yourself. Though there may have been moments of anger, they were short-lived and the powerful love that encompassed our house always shined through. Growing up with love surrounded me just how strong of a foundation love can be in all aspects of your life, and without my parents, I wouldn’t know exactly what love looks like.

Never once in my life did I ever doubt that my parents loved each other, there was no need too.

Their love for each other shined in everything they did. Though there may not be constant “I love you’s”, they didn’t need to say it because their actions say it all. You can tell they love each other in the way my dad washed my mom’s car every Sunday morning, the way my mom lets my dad watch his favorite TV show or the game on the downstairs TV, and how they both work so hard at their jobs so that they can support one another.

Never is the love in my house one-sided. No one person gives more than another, and everyone always knows that they are loved. Texts and calls between me and my parents or siblings or between my mom and my dad always start with a pleasant hello and end with an “I love you” no matter what the conversation was about.

My mom could call to say that she wants to add spinach to the grocery list, and the call will end with “I love you”.

I’ve been extremely lucky to grow up in such a place that love rules all. I never had once had to question whether my mom or dad loves me, and thanks to them, I know the type of love I want, and that I deserve from my husband someday. Love may be thrown around in our household, but for good reason. It’s because there truly is love there, and when you love someone so deeply, you want to share it with the world.

My parents have been married for 27 years, and have been through their fair share of ups and downs, but never has their love for one another waivered. Never have I heard them fight, and never have I ever seen them go to bed mad at each other. Yes, sometimes they argue or disagree, but nobody is perfect, and arguments always end up with apologies or compromises.

My parents have shown true love in the face of adversity, and I can only hope to find a love half that great someday. Their relationship is one that I look at and they type that I want in my future.

So to my parents, thank you for being my role models. Thank you for surrounding me with love, and for loving me unconditionally. You have shown me exactly what love looks like, and for that, I will be forever thankful. Though I know you love me and you know I love you, I’m going to say it here again because you can never say it enough. I love you, Mom, I love you, Dad, thank you for everything.