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To My Parents' This Holiday Season

Listen, Mom and Dad, I know Christmas is nearing… but you really don't need to get me anything — you've already given me more than I could ever thank you both for.

Alyssa Gormley

Nov 29, 2018

Ohio University

173

Alyssa Gormley

Dear Mom and Dad,

When I had come home for Thanksgiving break, the first thing I did was answer the usual college questions. Yes, I have a lot of homework. Yes, I'm really stressed. No, I don't have a boyfriend. And yes, I'm happy at Ohio University. But then you, (specifically Mom) asked a question that's not normally in our interview. You asked if my Christmas list was complete. Truthfully, I haven't had a single minute to think about Christmas let alone my list. However, (just for you Mom) before I left home I attempted to create my Christmas list. As I'm subconsciously listing items that aren't essential for my well-being, I realized I don't need a Christmas list. More-so, I realized I don't need anything at all... because I already have everything and anything I could ever wish for already, thanks to you, Mom and Dad.

19 years ago, you brought me into this beautiful world. And ever since, you've provided me with a life nothing less than extraordinary. Just thinking of how young I am in this life and everything I've already done — because of you — gives me chills, every time. Not a minute goes by where I don't think of how grateful I am to be here, living the life I live; loving the life I live.

I really don't need anything for Christmas. Mom and Dad, I really don't. But if I did have a list, I'd ask for one thing: that neither of you forgets how grateful I am for you and how much love I hold for you (both). It's been beyond an honor to have been raised by wonderful people like you both. I'll never be able to thank you enough for the constant support, sincere honesty, and overwhelming love.

Sent from my iPhone

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To My Parents' This Holiday Season

Listen, Mom and Dad, I know Christmas is nearing… but you really don't need to get me anything — you've already given me more than I could ever thank you both for.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

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1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

Love hard, every day, and never be ashamed.

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