It's my first Monday morning spent at home since summer break started, and as I'm sitting here just chillin' with my mom, I realized that parents do a heck of a lot for their kids. Waaaaay more than the children, us, realize.

I'm going to keep this short and sweet, because I'm pretty sure we do know -- deep down -- how much our parents do for us. So, I'm not going to go super in depth to explain it all.

But, I just want any person who is reading this to really, really think about how much your mom, dad, or both, have done for you. Or, maybe it's not your mom or dad. Maybe its your grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle, or family friend who has really taken on that parental role for you. Either way, think about everything they have done.

They probably taught you how to ride a bike, and later on how to drive a car. They have given you basics for what you need to live, obviously -- food, water, a house, clothes. They gave you an education, whether at home or at a school. They taught you how to be strong and independent, but they also taught you that its okay to cry and okay to feel. They've made you laugh and smile, they've probably made you cry and angry sometimes, too. They've kept you safe throughout the years, they stayed up with you throughout the night when you were sick. They answered every phone call while you were away, whether at school or at a friends house. They've watched you grow into an adult, and they've let you go out and experience the world on your own -- even though they still see you as that little baby in a crib some days. Think about the extras that they didn't really need to do for you, but they did. They helped you through your first heartbreak, or that math problem you didn't understand, or through drama at school, or through tragedy. The sporting events they came (and probably brought you) to, the performances, the school events. From surprising you with that toy you wanted forever when you were little, to surprising you with concert tickets or new clothes or even just a visit at college. Everything they do for you is for your benefit (whether you see it as that right now or not), and all they want is to see you grow to be a happy, healthy, confident, successful person.

While we plan our days around our own schedule and activities, they plan their days around themselves, too, but also completely around ours. It's been like that since we were born. So, while we have special days (Mother's Day and Father's Day) to celebrate and really thank our mom, dad or parental figure for what they've done, they deserve far more than one day. I realize everyone has different relationships with their parents, so if they don't deserve a thank you, then they don't. But if they do, then remember to thank them, and give them an extra hug every day for what they've done for you. A parent's love is impossible to replace -- make sure they know you appreciate everything they have done, and continue to do for you.