Dear Mom and Dad,

Last night I took a moment to reflect on my life (instead of doing homework) and I remembered just how truly blessed I am. In the past few years alone, I graduated high school, spent my first year of college in Italy, and maintained my grades. None of this, and I sincerely mean none of this, would have been possible without you.

First of all, thank you for supporting me in life, no matter how crazy my decisions were. Thank you for letting me pursue music and theater growing up. Somehow, despite both of you working full-time jobs, you were able to make it to every concert or play. Thanks for letting me try out sports like gymnastics and field hockey, even though we all knew I would probably be sick of it after a few years. You guys even came to games just to see me warm the bench.

Thank you for providing me with opportunities. Don't get me wrong; I worked very hard for the opportunities I have received, but you were always there to support me, either emotionally or financially. Because of both of you, I had the opportunity to spend my first year of college in Italy, and the remainder of my time at my dream school. Not many kids have the opportunity to go to college, let alone their dream school.

Both of you have impacted my life so much. Mom, thank you for everything you do. You are the epitome of superwoman and I can only hope to be half of the mom you are to me to my own children someday. Thank you for helping me through the endless meltdowns of high school. Thank you for helping me edit all of those god-awful college essays that had to be 500 words or less. Thank you for helping with class spirit weeks and for sending me care packages all the time. You literally know me better than I know myself. I love that I can talk to you about anything and you always have amazing words of advice. You are my rock, and I honestly don't know what I would do without you.

Dad, thank you for providing so many opportunities for me and teaching me the power of hard work. I am amazed at how much you give of yourself to provide for us. You have taught me the value of hard work by not handing me everything in life, and despite me hating paying for things on my own, I really appreciate you raising me to be more than a spoiled brat. Thank you for always making me laugh and always being someone I can talk to about anything. I don't think many people my age are able to do that with their dad. Thank you for teaching me to be grateful and kind to people.

Thank you both for raising me to have ethics and morals. You both have done so much for me, I don't even think I can get it all into writing. You both taught me to be hard working, grateful, and kind. You raised me to believe that I could achieve whatever I wanted in life if I worked for it, and for that alone I am forever thankful.

As I attempt to wrap this letter up, please know how much you mean to me. I know I don't express my gratitude nearly enough as I should, but know that I am extremely grateful for everything you have done to me. I know everyone says they have the best parents in the world, but I truly believe that you are the best parents in the world. Thanks for being my rock, my world, my everything.

Love,

Your daughter