Whether we admit it or not, we love our parents. They may nag us, lecture us, and get on our nerves, but they are always the biggest supporters in our lives. Personally, I never told my parents how much they meant to me. I told them "Thank you" or "I love you" or anything even close. As a young adult, it's hard for me to say to my parents' faces that I care about them and appreciate all that they do. So instead, I'm writing a letter, dedicated to the people who will never leave my side.

Dad, thank you for telling me that I am capable of anything and for giving me the support that I needed to build dreams I could chase after.

Mom, thank you for making me realize that I’m worth everything in this world. You taught me that I should never settle for less than what I deserve.

Dad, thank you for spending endless hours after you got home from work each night to teach me how to solve calculus problems. Although I was frustrated and annoyed, you helped me get ahead of the game.

Mom, thank you for being at every dance recital, even when shows seemed never-ending, and for driving me to dance lessons since I was five years old. You always pushed me to be the best I could be.

Dad, thank you for getting mad at me when I didn't get straight As. Even though, at first, I was frustrated with you and your nagging, you made me realize that I am capable of so much more.

Mom, thank you for getting to know my friends to make sure that I was continually surrounding myself with the best people possible.

Dad, thank you for defending me when I couldn't throughout life. When I couldn't stand up to the people who hurt me the most, you did. And that made me feel safe and loved.

Mom, thank you for sharing your love of life, sense of humor, excitement for every experience, ability to befriend a stranger, and courage to fight every problem life through at you.

Dad, thank you for showing me what hard work looks like. You showed me that nothing comes easy, and that countless hours of blood, sweat and tears really do pay off.

Mom, thank you for showing me what it takes to be a true fighter. You never gave up on my sister and me, even when you didn’t have the energy to do so. You were the most dedicated mother in the entire universe.

Dad, thank you for showing me how a man should treat a woman. You set a baseline of expectations that a true man should have.

Mom, thank you for showing me how to fight for what I believe in such as love and life and everything in between.

Mom and Dad, thank you for showing me true love in its rarest form, what it feels like and how it can extend beyond life’s obstacles and challenges.

Without your support, I wouldn't be the person I am today. There aren’t enough words in the world to describe how much I appreciate all you have ever done for me (even though I cannot say it face-to-face), but I think this is a good start. I love you more than you can ever imagine.