Going off to college has allowed me to realize a few things about myself, and my life, but most importantly I have learned how much I truly appreciate my parents. My mom and dad have been there for me my entire life. Moving off to college and leaving them was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life, but being away from them makes it so much more special when I get to see them. So here is a few thank you's I would like to give to my parents.

Mom,

Thank you for your spaghetti. You have no idea how much it means to me when I hear you are making spaghetti when I come home. No ones spaghetti could ever match up to yours. Thank you for the tireless hours you have spent supporting me in everything. I know you have had to freeze your butt off at many softball games, and sit on uncomfortable bleachers to watch me sit the bench for volleyball and basketball growing up, but it means so much to me that you were able to be there.

Thank you for being on the other end of the phone at 3am when my heart is broken, or when I am thinking about dropping out and living in my bedroom for the rest of my life. I enjoy texting you throughout the day just to see what you are doing, and to tell you about my day. I also appreciate it when you allow me to eat in college. I know you don't have to give me money, but you do and it means so much when I can treat myself to Chick-Fil-A instead of the Cafeteria. I know the list could go on for ever, for all of the reasons that I have to thank you, but most importantly I want to thank you for being my mom. I love you.

Dad,

Hey dad. Thank you for sending me funny videos on Facebook at 2am. It is nice to take a break from studying to watch a boxer wearing windshield wiper goggles. Thank you for always being there for me, athletically, while growing up. You were my catcher, my pitcher, my coach, and my number one supporter. I know at times I frustrated you when I was not performing to the best of my abilities, but thank you for always sticking by me. You have sat on a bucket for countless hours as I learned to pitch, and stood behind a net as I learned how to hit, doing your best to try to get me to my highest potential.

If I ever failed or did bad you were always there to pick me back up, and dust me off. And when I did good you were right there cheering for me. Thank you for making me tough, both athletically and emotionally. You taught me that no boy is worth my tears, and that I am strong and independent. Thank you for always reminding me to laugh, so that I don't cry. Most importantly, thank you for being my amazing dad. You have never disappointed me. I love you.

Mom & Dad,

Firstly, thank you for not kicking me out of the house when I brought dogs home. I know you always threatened to do it when I told you I was, but thank you for never actually doing it. Also, thank you for taking care of the dogs when I left them with you when I went to college. It is like you have a little piece of me walking around the house, except they're furry, and take up your whole bed.

Thank you for helping me grow into the young lady that I have become. I am still learning a lot about myself, but through your guidance and love I have gotten a pretty good idea of who I want to be. You are both the type of parent that I aspire to be one day. I hope that my kids will think I am as awesome as I think you are. Growing up it is uncool to be friends with your parents, but y'all are actually my best friends. Thank you for everything that you do, to help make my life easier and better. I love you both.