It isn't often that I thank you for all that you do. It's not that I don't want to, but I am so used to your unconditional love that I often overlook it-- but not today. Ever since I was little, I have been completely my own person. This was often good, but it sometimes got me into trouble. Never once have you left my side or gotten mad at who I have become. Sure, you have pulled the "I'm not mad, I'm disappointed," card a few times, but you always stuck with me through it.

Growing up, I rarely saw the bigger picture of things, and I will admit, I often times still don't. You always saw it for me and protected me from whatever I would walk into next. You made me feel safe, always. You made sure I knew I always had someone to talk to, even though most times I held it in. Out of all the times, I came home crying, you were standing at the door waiting to hug me. Whenever I was ready to leave with anger, you were on the other side to stop me. When I was ready to give up on the things that I loved, you talked me out of it. Out of all the boys who made me think I wasn't worth it, dad reminded me that I was. You reminded me that I was always "your girl," even when I was "his girl."

When I would lay in bed and watch Netflix because I felt like I was never enough, mom laid there with me telling me all the things that she loved about me. Through all the school years, you pushed me to better myself, whether it was grades or focus. Every time I asked for an extended curfew and you reluctantly allowed it, you were waiting on the couch to make sure I came home safe. After my accident, when I was scared, you pushed me to walk again, you pushed me to be strong. When I wanted to give up on writing, you reminded me why I started it in the first place. As someone on the outside, you might be reading this thinking "isn't that every parent's job?" The answer to that is simple, yes. However, my parents did it better. Scratch that, my parents did it the best. I don't know where I'd be without you, in fact, I know that I'd be lost.

As I prepare for college, the fear kicks in. I won't be able to see my two best friends every day. I won't be able to sleep in your bed when I'm upset or take 5 dollars out of your purse when I want to go to McDonald's, (sorry mom). I won't be able to simply call downstairs when I want to watch a movie with you. It petrifies me that I won't be with you every day, the way that I have been for almost eighteen years. It's crazy how time flies and how the years pass by. Through these crazy years, I wouldn't have had the ups and downs happen any other way. Thank you for supporting me through everything, even when you know it'll be a disaster. Most of all, thank you for being the best duo that I could have been blessed with. I may not say it enough, but I am always thankful and I love you every second of every day.