Not everyone is privileged to have both their parents in their life. Some have grown up without a father or mother figure. Some grew up in foster homes and others lost their parents either early in life or later. For those that still have both parents, you truly are blessed.

Growing up, my parents have always been there for me. Now, we all go through a phase in life when we start to rebel against our parents; mine was during high school. You think you know what's best for you, but really, your parents do.

During high school, I always questioned why they made certain decisions for me. Why couldn't I stay out as late as I wanted? Why didn't they like the boyfriend I was with at the time? I just couldn't understand, because I was still young and immature. I was just starting to earn independence at this age in my life, but I didn't know how to use it wisely. Just because I had independence didn't mean I had the right to do whatever I wanted.

During this rebellious period, I started to create an image of my parents that didn't exist. I looked at them as my enemies and not my friends. If they didn't agree with a decision I made, then I would become very defensive and shut them out. This didn't stop them from loving me and being there for me. I just didn't want to accept the fact that they were there. I was angry all the time because they didn't agree with most of the decisions I made. Looking back on it now, I should have listened to them more.

After the rebellious phase, I finally started to realize how wrong I was. I was wrong for shutting out my parents and not listening to them. They knew what was best for me, but instead, I chose to ignore them. The older I got the more I understood why they acted the way they did while I was growing up.

Now I had the answers to the questions I once asked: "Why couldn't I stay out as late as I wanted?" Because girls who are at a young age are not safe being out late at night. They just wanted to keep me safe from any harm. "Why didn't they like the boyfriend I was with at the time?" Because he didn't treat me the way I should have been treated, and I couldn't see it. They looked out for me and thought about my future.

Today, I can't go a week without talking to my parents; whether it be to ask them a question or to just have a casual conversation about what I should have for supper, I enjoy every moment of it. My parents are my world and my best friends. No matter what I go through in life, I know they will always be there by my side.

So to my parents, I just want to say thank you. I know it wasn't easy dealing with the rebellious phase in my life, but you all never stopped showing me that you cared and loved me. You helped guide me through life and walk me through the difficult times. You helped me become the woman I am today, and for that, I thank you.