As I get deeper into adulthood, I want to take a moment and thank the two strongest people I know. I may not vocalize it, actually I practically never do, but I appreciate everything you do.

Mom and Dad,

Thanks for being my number one supporters in life, the people I can always count on when times are tough. We’ve had our fair share of ups and downs, yet I wouldn’t be half the person I am without you.

You always know what to say

Most of the time I don’t acknowledge your words, but I want you to know I have always listened. Sometimes things are on my mind that can’t be fixed. Sometimes I get cranky and just don't seem like I care. But I want you to know I do know the meaning behind your words, and I respect every one of them.

You know the fun places to go

I want to thank you for all the journeys. Everyone likes adventures. Not everyone is as lucky as to get to share them with their parents. Thanks for picking me up off the couch when I’m bored and always having a new place to bring me. Between kayaking and paddle boarding at sunrise or just casually walking around town, I am lucky to experience it all with you.

You are my biggest fans

“You got this, I believe in you.”Just one of the many things I am lucky to hear everyday. Thanks for all the support in everything I do. Between sitting at all my sporting events, providing me with a phenomenal education and just being there every day, you show the true definition of amazing. I feel sometimes my financial struggles as a college student will push you away, but I continue to be proven wrong.

You are my life line

I don’t thank you nearly enough for this. Every day you provide for me anything I need. Whether you are 5 feet away or 460 miles away, you continue to amaze me. I wouldn’t be in my amazing school, great apartment or anywhere without your help. I don’t know how I’d get through one day if I didn't know I had you to call when in desperate need of money for food, gas or textbooks. I always feel bad but I am beyond lucky for all your support.

You provide the perfect love/hate relationship

Thanks for the continuous pressure to be the best I can in all I do. I didn’t always realize or respect the constant battle between our different views on things, but I am proud to finally see eye to eye. We might not like our hair the same way or enjoy all the same foods, but we sure have an amazing family. We learned from each other. I learned how to not be a brat, but you learned how to be the best parents. I love to work out, but the continuous drive you guys have to keep up is what keeps us all striving to be our best.

You always have my back

In everything. Whether it be something athletic or academic, I know you're supporting me. Sure you don't always like my major. But I know if I am ever stressed or need a shoulder to cry on, I will always have my parents -- you.

Lastly, I just want you to know I love you. I love everything you do for me, for my friends and most importantly for my life. You have gone above and beyond, and still continue to every day. I never thank you, I just never feel I have the right words to say. But I hope this will make up for that. I hope you truly understand, I appreciate all you do for me.

Thanks for being the very best parents, each and every day.

Love you beyond words,
Your Princess