Dear Mom and Dad,

First off, I want to start by saying none of this is your fault. None of my anxiety, depression, self-hatred, self-worth questioning; none of this is your fault. Sure, I'll admit, I have questioned many things...

"If I wasn't born, would my parents still be together?"

"Was I too much for them to handle?"

"Why can't the two most important people in my life be together?"

All these, plus much more.

One thing I have NEVER questioned is your love for me. Even though you may not have raised me "together," who I am today is because of your individual efforts. I can't imagine how hard it was to separate with young children to raise. Having us go back and forth every weekend, having to figure out who we were going to spend holidays with and so on. Just know that my siblings and I are forever grateful for all you've done for us as we continue to grow and strive into mature adults. Thank you for continuing to make your best effort to give us the most "normal" childhood possible. You both have conquered and accomplished so much and we are so proud of you. We wouldn’t be who we are today without you. Don’t ever forget that.

Dad, you have taught me so much. You’ve taught me exactly how I deserve to be treated. You’ve taught me never to put up with boys that don’t treat me properly. You’ve taught my siblings and myself how to be respectful, and for that, I am forever thankful for all the life lessons I have acquired through having you as a father. Most of all, you have taught me exactly how important it is to be healthy, happy and safe. Thank you for always coming to sporting events, making sure that I was always taken care of and showing me how to live life to the absolute fullest.

Mom, all I can say is, thank you. Thank you for showing me that there's light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for always putting your children before yourself. Thank you for answering those 1am phone calls when I’m having a mental breakdown, and thank you for being such an open minded person. Thank you for taking so many of my friends into our home with open arms and being a second mom to them. Thank you for always making sure that I’m actually okay. Thank you for absolutely everything.

I am so lucky to still have such a strong relationship with both of you, despite the fact that I may have grown up differently than some of my friends. I know it hasn’t been too easy raising me, but you’ve never given up on me. You two are the most important people in my life. My love for you is infinite.

Love always,

Your Little Girl