Mom and Dad,

Thank you. I love you. I don’t know what I would do without you. These are all words and expressions that mean so much. But those expressions aren’t enough. There has to be something bigger that describes how I feel about you.

Mom, Dad, I wanted to write this final piece for you. I’ve been hanging onto the idea for quite some time now. And while there is so much to say about you and to you, I struggle to write this as there is simply too much to say.

There seems to be so many people my age who cannot wait to move away from home. I for one can’t even begin to imagine this situation. I can’t imagine not coming home to your smiling faces asking me how my day went. I wouldn’t have the opportunity to see the weirdly matched work outfits dad put together for that week and watching mom’s face as she reacts to it. It has always brought me comfort to return to you at the end of a day, to return to a place that has given me so much laughter and confidence. You’re always there when I begin to doubt myself. You reach out to comfort me before I even think to reach out for help.You know me better than I know myself.

There are so many moments and things that seem so insignificant but mean the world to me. I only wish you knew the half of it. I may always say ‘thank you’ with a hug and smile but I don’t think that can ever do what I’m feeling justice. It’s the little things that add up to mean the most. It’s letting me use your nicer car because you want me safe. It’s thinking to start my car in the morning for me or getting up earlier than necessary to make sure I am shoveled out of snow and don't have to endure the cold. It’s the notes in lunch bags and bedrooms with treats left behind (as if you knew I needed an extra pick-me-up that day). It’s the supportive good morning texts and middle of the day check-ins. It’s listening to me ramble about things you either have no interest in or no idea what I’m talking about and still being enthusiastic with me or for me. And this is only some of the stuff I actually remember. This doesn’t even begin to cover all the little things you’ve done for me growing up that I was too young to recognize at the time.

I credit you for all that I am today, even though I know you like to say "it's all you!" when I accomplish something. I credit for giving me all the attributes and values I most admire about myself. I know what I stand for and I’m proud of what I stand for, and I only have you to thank for that. I credit you for my manners, my kindness, my compassion, humor, wit, and so on. You have given me all the tools I could ever need in life and then some. You are the reason I am where I am today. I know there are times when you question and doubt yourself as parents. And I only say this because it seems to be something all parents think for some reason-but there’s never been any reason for either of you to doubt yourselves. You’re the most amazing and selfless individuals I have ever met and you make sure we know how loved we are each and every day. I’ve always been so proud to have you both as my parents.

Thank you for being the best role models.Thank you for convincing me that my happiness is a priority. Thank you for giving me my two best friends (aside from you guys of course) in my siblings. Thank you for knowing what was best for me when I didn’t. Thank you for always pushing me to be my best. Thank you for parenting with understanding and never criticism. Thank you for all the sacrifices you have made for all of us (big or small, noticed or unnoticed). Thank you for giving me such an open mind and heart. Thank you for the laughter, the hugs, the shoulders to cry on, the memories, and the love.

I will never be able to thank you enough for everything you do. I will also never be able to repay you for everything you do. I am sorry for both of these things, but it is most important that you at least know and understand that you both mean the world to me. I'll never stop trying to tell you and show you this. I genuinely don’t know where I would be without you both.

No matter when and where I am in life, you will always be my home.

I love you ♥

Love always,