Dear Mom and Dad,

Wow. You seriously rock. Bottom line.

I can't thank you enough for everything you do. From the time I was a little girl you put my needs before your own. You've always believed that your kids' needs were more important than yours, and while it may have gone unnoticed for many years, I see it now. You did your best to come to every choir concert and every sporting event, to take pictures for every school dance. You put food on my plate and clothes on my back. I truly don't think I could have asked for more.

Things changed as I grew up... I hit some rough patches, we shared some rough patches, but you stuck by me and supported me through all of it. You have never once told me I'm dreaming too big or reaching too far. Whether it was choosing a school or looking at different career paths, you were there to talk it out with me and help me decide. And any time I've doubted myself since then, you've reassured me and encouraged me to keep working hard. I wouldn't have made it this far without you.

Not even a week after moving out, I already had to call you to help me change a tire. (I probably should figure out how to do that on my own.) But, you never debated whether or not you'd be there. You assured me you'd come help as soon as possible. And, I know that if I called again tomorrow and said I needed you to fix my toilet or teach me how to organize a kitchen, you'd be there. See, it's not the little things anymore, like the shirt from Aeropostal that I want, or those super cool shoes that I wore five times. Now, it's the big things. Like teaching me how to apply for loans, or how to cook real dinners. I appreciate them all the same.

You guys are rockstars. I apologize for putting you through the "I'm too cool for you" stage that everyone goes through in middle school and high school, but I promise I never meant it. Mom and Dad, I love you dearly and am beyond thankful for your constant encouragement, support, and willingness to help.

Love always,

Your little girl