Dear Mom and Dad,

Let me start this letter off by saying thank you. Thank you for being my bank of eternal love. Thank you for the endless support in all of life’s endeavors. Thank you for your always making me your very first priority. And thank you for instilling the strong values and importance of self respect that I have today. Though you might not always feel appreciated, I hope you know that everything you have done for me has not gone unnoticed.

Growing up, I watched both of my parents work hard on a daily basis to provide for the family. And that taught me a more important life lesson in itself than I initially thought. You made me appreciate the food on my plate, the roof over my head, and the clothes on my body -- because those things did not always come easy. You have taught me that absolutely nothing in life is free, and with hard work and perseverance, a reward will always follow.

Throughout high school, the sacrifices you made for me completely went over my head. I always knew that your children were your first priority, but it wasn’t until I got to college that I realized you two went above and beyond to give me the absolute best life you possibly could have. We aren't rich by any means, but you have always found a way to give me everything I ever needed or wanted, and for that I am forever grateful.

As I’m sitting here in my college dorm writing this letter, I can’t help but wonder where the time went. It feels like just yesterday I was holding your hand crossing the street and begging you to take me to the neighborhood play ground. Yet here we are, 15 years later, and I’m all grown up (or at least pretending to be). And you’re at my childhood home, supporting me through every step of the way. I strongly believe that I would not be half the woman I am today if it wasn’t for your unconditional love and guidance. You gave me an extraordinary example that I will (one day) hope to be for my children.

How can I possibly repay all that you have done for me? For now, I can only give you thanks and hope that I have given you even a fraction of the happiness that you have given me. You both have blessed me with a welcoming home and loving family. And I am determined to one day provide for you as you have provided for me. No matter what happens to me while I’m away, I find peace in knowing I have a safe haven that I can come back to when I can’t weather a storm alone. You are both my rocks and my comfort zone; I never want to imagine a life without you two beside me.

Finally, I want you to know that I will love you forever and that no matter how old I grow, or how far I go, I will always be your baby girl.

Love you long time,

Your “all-grown-up” college kid