Growing up, I had a very close family. That could've been due to the fact that we only had each other. Our little group of six included me, my mom, my dad, my younger brother, my older brother, and most recently my sister-in-law. Going through high school, I knew my parents did a lot for me, like A LOT, but now that I'm moved out, on my own, and quite a distance away, I now realize the slightest little things that Mom and Dad did that deserve endless thanks.
First, Mom.
Dear Mom, thank you for:
1. Letting me cry to you over people, events, pictures, drama that I don't even remember now
I can't even begin to recall the amount of tears that were shed in front of you. Whether it was in the car, in the laundry room, in my room or yours, you always let me be a weepy mess and never let me feel that my issues didn't matter or were stupid... even though some VERY MUCH were. On days when I feel a little "misty-eyed" (as you would call it), I can still call and cry over the phone, but it's just not the same. and those phone calls make me appreciate your comfort in person so much more.
Thank you, Mom.
2. Putting your blood, sweat, and tears into everything you do for your kiddos
Watching my little brother go through his senior year of high school and my older brother getting married, I realize just how much work you do for us that we don't see. You decorate locker rooms, you make treat bags, you plan MONTHS in advance for homecoming, even learn dances for pep rallies, you spend hours in the art of "Mum Making," you buy every newspaper our town offers just to cut clippings for scrapbooks, you plan wedding appointments down to the hour, you are up at the crack of dawn to burn hearts into wooden boxes, learn how to make heart shaped mints, and so much more. Little brother might not realize what you're doing now, and big brother might not know what all you did for his special day, so from the three of us:
Thank you, Mom.
3. My daily hugs
Everyday without fail I would get a hug from you. Immediately when I went to college, those were missed greatly. The highlight of every visit home is seeing you run towards me with open arms yelling, "YOU MADE IT!!!" and the low point of every visit is your big hug telling me "I love you, text me when you make it back to school." Now, being away from you, I can't say this enough:
Thank you, Mom.
And now Dad.
Dear Dad, thank you for:
1. Making me dance
This might seem like something very miniscule, but being in college I realize the importance of being able to cut loose. We would attend Father Daughter dances, dance at weddings, dance in the car, dance at home, you are one dancing fool Dad. I fought you every time and probably broke a few of your toes, but just know that you not only taught me how to dance the 1....2.....1-2-1, you taught me that life is fun. Don't sit in the back! Get up and dance, even if you're the only one. I still can't dance, but:
Thank you, Dad.
2. Teaching me the glass is ALWAYS half full
The one thing Mom says the most to me is "You're just like your father..." and it's usually in me trying the find the silver lining in a negative situation. I fully believe that this comes from you. Life gets rough, but you somehow always have a joke to tell or shoulders to shrug at stressful situations. From your daughter who is way too over committed to too many things, I can always think of you and just smile hearing you say "Kick that girl in the shins," "You're gonna do fine on that test!," and "take it easy and call me later." When I'm always down on myself or only see darkness ahead, I think of you and how there is ALWAYS some good to see.
Thank you, Dad.
3. Being the amazing man you are
Growing up, you might not have realized it, but you made the biggest impression on me when it comes to what an amazing man is. Forget the rom-coms that Mom and I made you watch, forget the novels, forget the things we see online, forget the music we listen to; I learned everything I need to know from watching you. I see how a man is supposed to treat a woman. I see how a husband is supposed to serve his wife. I see how a man of God is supposed to lead his family. You are an amazing man without even having to try, and from the bottom of my heart:
Thank you, Dad.
Going off the college and being away from you both makes me see all the little things you do/did that hold the biggest spots in my heart
Thank you, Mom and Dad
Love,
Your Daughter
