To me, the relationship you possess with your parents is by far the best. Nothing is more amazing than being able to tell your parents absolutely anything and everything. They are the people I confide in, take advice from, laugh with, learn from, cry to, seek help from, and most importantly, receive all my love from. They are by far my favorite people on this planet. Luckily, I am blessed with the two most amazing parents a girl could ask for. Many of my friends envy the relationship I have with my parents. Why? I think the main reason is because of the trust and honesty that dominates our relationship.

Growing up, for the most part I was a good child. I got good grades, stayed out of trouble, never came home pass curfew, and spent time with my family. But one day when I was a sophomore in high school, I made a rash decision that my brother told on me to my parents about. I remember the day very clearly. I received a text message from my dad saying, "Get home, we need to have a family meeting." Those texts are never pleasing. We had the meeting, talked out the issue, and from then on we came to an agreement to, as a family, never keep secrets and to always be straight forward.

This was the most amazing thing that could have ever happened, because now my parents and I have an incredible relationship. I tell them absolutely everything that happens in my life. I actually have a relationship with them, unlike most teenagers, because I never went behind their back, lied, kept secrets, or belittled the relationship we had. Many of my friends can't do this with their parents because they know they will get in serious amounts of trouble.

But why do that to your kids? Why would any parent want to keep their kid on such a short leash? It'll only create a relationship built off of dishonesty because a child is going to be a child, just like our parents were at one time. I think it is so important to never push your child away or not accept them because of the actions they make. Let your child come to you about the decisions they make, let them tell you about their lives so that you can teach them in a manner with respect and maturity. This will only strengthen the relationship you have with them. I know it did for me.

So thank you Marina and Mark, for being the support system every child rightfully deserves. Thank you for helping me through my tough times and never judging me. Thank you for being the parents many children wish they had. I am so thankful for our relationship and for all the amazing things we have been through together. I truly don't know where I would be at in life without you and without the honestly our relationship endures. I love you.