In my small town on the Missouri- Arkansas line, one of your parents is usually one a teacher, railroader, or a nurse or doctor. Yes, out of my graduating class of fifty-three, ten of us have railroad parents and let me tell you, it isn't always easy. Being a railroad daughter meant that I would go weeks or even months without seeing my dad, which is nothing compared to the thousands of people who have a parent or loved one in the Armed Forces fighting overseas. Whether your parent is a railroader, military, or any other distant job I believe we don't always give credit where credit is due, but here are a few thank yous to parents who work far off so their families have a better life.

Thank you for your sacrifice.

I know you didn't want to leave for months at a time when you hired out or couldn't hold close to home but I know you did it for us. You sacrificed so much time to provide for us so we didn't have to worry about the little things. You missed first proms and last ball games but I know it killed you more than it did us. Even when you were gone, thank you for always being there when you couldn't be. I could always count on a phone call after golf practice to see how I did, or to see what I made on the test I was freaking out about all week.

Thank you for making it easier.

Every time we would call you were happy and strong, even though deep down inside you wanted nothing more than to come home to us and never leave. I know there were times when you thought to yourself "I can't do this anymore" or "what if I just quit" but you always persevered when times got tough because you didn't want to disappoint us. I will never forget the look on your face every time you had to leave, never complaining just a hug and "see ya next round".

Thank you for the times you were home.

Whether it was watching movies on the couch or spending all weekend in a tree stand during deer season, thank you for making the most of the time you had. Thank you for always trying to make it to my volleyball games, academic banquets, and every small victory in-between, even when it meant laying-off a trip because you thought I was more important. Thank you for the mom rants, always making me laugh when I was about to fall apart, and giving me space to figure a tough situation out on my own.

Thank you for loving me, even when I was ungrateful.

While writing this I realized how much you have done for me to be where I am today and I am so sorry for all the thank yous I never said. I am sorry for the times you were home that I took for granted and thought I had better things to do with my time. Thank you for teaching me that I have to work for what I want instead of just handing it to me on a silver platter. You deserve so much more credit than what I give you and I love you more than you can ever imagine. Thank you.