To my Mom and Dad,

I'm not even sure where to begin with you two. Saying thank you would just never be enough. But when I count the things I'm thankful for, you two are definitely at the top of the list. Simply saying thank you doesn't feel right. But maybe if I take you through a few of the reasons why I'm so thankful, then you'll begin to understand.

Thank you for giving me a childhood everyone dreams of having. You both filled our house with endless love and laughter. I could never forget our constant road trips, or the legendary movie marathons that would help pass the time. Thank you for giving me siblings that are also my best friends. The greatest gift you ever gave us was each other. You are all my rock and guiding lights. I don't know where I'd be without you. Thank you for giving us more than just a house with a roof over our heads. Thank you for giving us a home. A place I'm always happy to go back to.

Thank you for teaching me what hard work really is. You both worked numerous jobs in order to give us kids everything we could dream of. If we wanted to do something that was expensive, you both worked extra jobs in order to get us there. But you never complained. And in the process, you taught me that nothing is worth it if you didn't earn it. Thank you for constantly pushing yourselves to be the best because you've taught me to do the same.

Thank you for being patient with me during those high school years when I certainly wasn't easy to talk to. I was always running around from one thing to the next. But you guys were always there for me when I finally took the time to stand still. You always guided me through big decisions, but gave me the freedom to make that final call myself. You supported every dream I've ever had, and you're still doing the same thing today. You've been at every game, every banquet, and every other major life event that I could think of. You're the first people I search for in any crowd. Thank you for always being there to wave back.

And thank you for being so close to me during these college years when I've needed you more than ever before. College has definitely been hitting me hard. But you two have been the branch I've held onto through every storm. You helped me navigate through an ocean of of loss and grief. You gave me the strength to face tragedy with grace and faith. And when I watched the things and relationships I loved most crumble before my eyes, you both held my hand and cried right along with me. You were devastated, too. But when the dust settled and it was time to move forward, you were the first ones to reach out a hand and teach me how to take one step at a time. When I lost who I was, you were here to remind me of who I wanted to be.

Thank you for showing me what love really is. You two never stop having fun together. You've got a routine, and you love it. You've showed me that no argument is more important than your relationship. And being right should never come before being happy. Thank you for teaching me that relationships are about sacrifice and compromise. But when you're with the right person, it won't feel like a sacrifice at all. Thank you for showing me the exact kind of marriage I hope to have for myself one day.

God did something very special when he decided to make you two my parents. Throughout my whole life, it's been a blessing to call you my role models. But as I get older, I've realized what an honor it is to be your daughter. A lot of kids like to think their parents did it right. But I know for a fact that mine sure did. A thank you just wouldn't be enough. But I hope with this letter, you can start to understand just how much you mean to me.

Love always,

Your grateful daughter