This is written specifically for my parents, but if it reminds you of the people that have raised or guided you, I hope it may encourage you to tell them how you feel.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I love you. You know that. Sometimes, I just don’t know if you realize how much I really mean it.

I love you.

If I tried to count all of the things that you have done for me, I would surely be counting forever.

I feel like I will never be able to say it enough in my lifetime to account for all ways in which you have influenced my life...

Still, I have to say thank you.

You are amazing people.

As much as you have watched me grow, I have been watching you.

As much as you have taught me, I have seen you learn. I see you continuing to learn and change and grow and become stronger every day. I have seen you break and adapt and compromise and never stop going... never stop loving. You are the reason I live the way that I do.

Because of you, I am always curious. Because of you, I am always seeking new knowledge. Because of you, I am always finding new reasons to be grateful, and I always keep my heart open.

You have taught me so many things without even trying, just by being the wonderful humans that you are.

Sometimes I feel guilty for leaving. Sometimes I feel that it was unfair of me to move my life so far away from you. Most of the time, I feel like I don’t call enough.

Please know that you are always in my mind. Please know that I don’t go a day without thinking of you. Please know that I feel so grateful for you every single day.

Please know that I always want to hear from you. I always want to know how you are doing and what you are up to. I wish every day that you are content and healthy and happy.

I am so grateful that you not only provided a good life for me, but that you also gave me what I needed to learn to provide for myself. Thank you for always reminding me that you are proud of the decisions I have made. Thank you for giving me the ability to have the independence that I have now. Thank you for raising me to be capable of handling responsibility.

You always nurtured my confidence, my drive, and my creativity. You gave me guidance, while always encouraging me to seek my own path. You had high expectations for the right things. You didn’t create my future for me, but gave me the tools I needed in order to create it for myself. Without you, I would never have made it to where I am today.

I know how much you didn’t want me to leave the nest. Still, you knew that if you pushed me out, I would fly. I’m glad I had you there to push me. And that I always have somewhere to land when my wings get tired.

I can’t say how blessed I feel, knowing that no matter where I am, someone on the face of this vast, strange world loves me simply, honestly, and unconditionally.

For your love, your kindness, your endless support, your humor, your warmth … Thank you.