Dear Mom and Dad,

No combination of words can express my gratitude toward the two of you, but I will try.

I have been so incredibly blessed my entire life. I’ve always known that, but it wasn’t until recently that I really started to think about why.

2017 was a big year for me. I graduated high school, completed my first semester of college, and went through a lot of changes emotionally. Essentially, I’ve grown up a lot in the past 12 months. As I’ve matured, my appreciation towards you guys has grown immensely.

As I lie here in my bed, in the house you own, writing on the laptop you bought me; I’d like to start out by saying, thanks for spoiling me. I know how hard you both work and how much time you spend working. Because of this, I have always had everything I need, and beyond. I appreciate everything you provide me with. Education, clothing, food. Even the little things like tissues and hair elastics. It all adds up. Thank you for making sure I always have what I need.

Thank you for always pushing me to be the best version of myself I can be. Whether it’s related to academics, dance, or just my personality in general. You have taught me how rewarding hard work is. You have taught me how to treat others with kindness and respect. Those are lessons that will stick with me forever.

Thank you for always being there for me. No matter what, I know I have you guys to come to. Mom, thanks for letting me FaceTime you while you’re at work, just so I can rant to you about something stupid a boy did. Thank you for caring. Or, at least pretending to care. Dad, thanks for literally being my shoulder to cry on. Thank you for giving me the best pep talks; I’ve never heard someone pack so much motivation and optimism into ten minutes. Hanging out with the two of you always will cheer me up, even on the worst of days.

Also, I have to add, you guys are pretty chill. Thank you for not being helicopter parents. Seriously, my relationship with you guys would not be nearly the same if you were overprotective. There are things I tell you guys that I probably wouldn’t even tell some of my friends. You’ve given me a lot of freedom over the last couple years. You respect me, and treat me like an adult- and it goes both ways. As a result of this, I have an immutable respect for you. You two are the last people in the world I would want to disappoint.

Thank you for being fun. I think to myself all the time how lucky I am to not have dull parents. An example of this, is weekend nights where you stay up until 2 a.m. listening to music, singing as loud as you can. It’s funny when your 13 year old brother is irritated because your parents are being too loud.

Going off of that, thank you more importantly for teaching me how to balance work and play. You two know how to party, but you’re also the hardest working people I know. Going into college, I think having that balance was very beneficial.

I would not be where I am or who I am today without your unwavering support and love. I can not think of better role models I could have, or better best friends. Thank you for shaping me into the person I am and for giving me a life where I can say I am genuinely happy.

With love,

Sam