Dear Mom and Dad,

The other day I was listening to the song Piece by Piece by Kelly Clarkson as I was driving and it really made me think. I am the luckiest person in the world to have parents like you. From the moment you knew you were having me, you have always put me first. You both have had to make sacrifices in order to give me the life I have. And while I don’t say it enough, I will forever be grateful for everything that you have done and continue to do for me.

You both have unconditionally supported me and loved me through my mistakes. Even when I do not have the strength on my own to push through the tough times, you are there to hold me up. After hitting rock bottom, you have helped me to build myself back up and become the person you raised me to be. You have given me the freedom to make my own choices and having faith in me that I will take the right path. Even at my worst moments you have made me feel valued and beautiful. I have never ever had to question my worth when it comes to you guys. It is because of all that you have taught me and helped believe in, that I am the person I am today. There is no one else in this world that could have done what you have done for me.

Mom, from the beginning me and you had a special bond. You’re not only my mother but also my best friend. I will forever cherish the many shopping trips we take and the summers we spend together. You have been there for me when my heart has been broken into pieces, telling me it’ll all be better soon. From the first time I fell down to now, you have always wiped away my tears. You gave up a career to raise me and then finally followed your own dreams. Thank you for teaching me to always follow my dreams, even if they seem scary and for showing how a strong, loving mother, wife and daughter lives life.

Dad, while I may not have liked you from the beginning, I quickly became Daddy’s little girl. You have amazed me with your strength and willingness to always put me first. Even after a long day at work, you would come home to coach me in basketball and never missed a game. While we may not always have the same interests, we never run out of things to talk about. The memories I have from our long talks will be with me till the end of time. You’ve shown me how a man in love acts and how a son honors his parents. Thank you for teaching how an honorable man behaves and setting my standards high.

Thank you for everything. There will never be enough words to express everything you have done for me. I hope that one day when I have my own family, I can honor you both by raising my kids like you have raised me. They’re going to be so lucky to have grandparents like you.

I love you to the moon and back, forever and always.