Dear Mom and Dad,

It's me. Your tired, stressed out, anxious, college student. I just wanted to let you know how much I love you both. It's my third year in college and honestly I couldn't have made it this far without you two. I still can't believe how far we have come. I say "we" because you two have been through 5 semesters of me crying about finals, being hungry because all I've had is ramen, being tired because I stood up all night studying, and being sad because I've missed so many family get togethers and special moments that I can't get back. In these 3 years I've been away at college we've also had some of the best times. FaceTime calls, homecomings after months of being away, and every semester getting closer to achieving what I came here to do.

I know I call you both all the time, but it is only because I miss you both, and sometimes I need a little reassurance that everything is going to be okay. I know I worry too much, but it's only because I'm scared to disappoint you even though I know you two think there is no way I could. These last few years of being in college I've learned to appreciate you both so much more than I did in high school. I never realized how much you guys did for me until I had to do everything for myself. I also can't tell you how thankful I am for the sacrifices you have made in order to get me here. Only we know our struggles and the hard times we had to go through so I could get to college.

As my finals for this semester get closer I want you to know that I am sorry my calls will get shorter and some days non-existent. I already know I'll be stressed so, in advance thank you for understanding. Sometimes I don't always ask you both how your days have been, but I want you to know I do care.

I'm excited to go home soon. I can't wait to hear your jokes that actually make me laugh, dad and talk to you late into the night, mom. Thank you for putting up with me when I get a bad grade on a test and am not in a good mood, when I miss your phone calls because I'm napping, when I go home and eat everything in the cabinet because I haven't had good food in forever, for sending me money when my funds are low, for supporting me in every decision I make even when it's the wrong one, and for being patient with me while I work on making a better future myself and for the both of you.

Sincerely,

Your college student