Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you. Two words that don't do enough justice to how truly grateful I am. The sacrifices you've made through the years, the love and support you've offered, and most importantly for loving me endlessly and unconditionally. I only want to make you proud and one day hope I can raise my children the way you've raised me. While I know there were times behind the scenes when you struggled personally, you continued to be strong and love me. The older I get the more I begin to realize why there were certain boundaries set, and why I wasn't allowed to do particular things. You showed me how to respect others, have confidence in my self, and be persistence in whatever I'm doing. I love you more than words. The further I am from you makes me realize how much you do for me; distance truly does make the heart grow fonder.

You go to work everyday even in some of the most brutal of weather conditions. As a father you've always done what it takes to make sure we are taken care of, thank you. You've always killed the spiders I couldn't reach, opened the jars I can't open, and got in the car with me when no one else would.

My best friend isn't my age but she sure does look like it. Mom, you are the most beautiful person in the entire world! You do everything out of love and never complain about any of it. The work ethic you have, is now the one implanted in me! Mama, you support me through everything. You're my biggest fan and my biggest critic. I love you more than words and I can only hope and pray that I can be as good of a woman as you. I miss you every day and not being with you is one of the hardest things I've ever done.

Mom and Dad, you love me unconditionally and always will. I love you more than words, and I wanted to thank you publicly for all you've done for me. The sacrifices you made for me are ones that don't go unnoticed, I promise I'll make you proud one day.