Mom and Dad,

There's so much I want to say to you both, but I know that words could never do my feelings any justice.

I'm so thankful. So thankful that you guys have provided everything I could ever want or need. So thankful that you guys love each other, and my brother and me, more than I could ever ask for. So beyond thankful that you two are just genuine, good people.

I'm so happy. So happy that you guys are always there for me. So happy that we are so close. So happy to have my parents be my greatest role models. And so freaking happy that you guys are such amazing parents.

I'm so lucky. So lucky to be blessed with parents as understanding, trusting and respecting as you both. So lucky to see your love for one another up close. So amazingly lucky to have such a great family.

Mom, thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for answering any questions I've had, from boys to booze and periods to players. Thank you for answering my phone calls, crying from a broken heart or laughing about a first date. I love you.

Dad, thank you for being my protector. Thank you for passing me down your sense of humor and your sarcasm. Thank you for threatening every boy that looks at me the wrong way and for being the catcher when I struggled to learn how to pitch during softball and the pitcher when I made my first hit. Thank you for laughing, annoying and loving me. I love you.

Mom and Dad, I can only hope one day to be a parent half as great as you both. I love you guys, and always will.