Dear Parents,

I'm sorry it's been so long. I'm sorry these updates have been so rare. I'm sorry I haven't been receptive or given you enough attention and affection. I'm sorry that you're worried about me, but you don't need to be. I'm sorry I haven't been as good of a son as I could be. But what really makes a good son? It must be a combination of carrying your ethics and positively contributing to the family. Though I may not be adding much of anything to the family right now, I swear I am making you proud.

Even moreso than the typical college student, most arts majors in college are incredibly appreciative of their parents. It is hard to explain my gratitude for everything you have done for me, especially letting me follow my dreams and end up here. But in being here, I have lost a lot of free time to get in touch with myself. If it makes you feel any better, I don't have time to talk to anyone else outside of classmates either.

Whether due to my non-confrontational nature or my Irish genetics, I just plan on bottling up my emotions and avoiding feelings like homesickness until the day I die. I'm not lonely; I'm not sad; I don't have regrets; I just wish I could show you that I love you in a better way. Every day I see myself doing things like you guys: my dad in the way that I constantly wish to sleep and ask people to shut the hell up, and my mom in the way that I casually watch sentimental crap now like Hallmark. So bad, in fact, that when I see a commercial for a Hallmark movie, I often say, "Finally!" (Which may be the saddest thing I have ever admitted.)

But I digress. I love you guys. Whether I am unable to talk or you, it doesn't affect the fact that you guys are the reason I'm where I am.

Thanks.