Dear mom and dad,

Thank-you. Thank-you for everything you have taught me over the years. Going through life, I really never understood how much you guys dealt with on a daily basis. From working full time jobs and taking care of two kids, to finding the energy to cook for us, taking time to listen to our days, and making sure we were and are always happy.

The best advice I still carry with me is just to be happy. It is so true. In regards to relationships I have been in, housing circumstances, field changes, your question to me was always “but are you happy?”. That phrase made me see that life isn’t about money or finding someone to complete you. I have realized that being happy is really just that simple. If something or someone does not make you happy, then change the situation. Life is too short to waste with people who drag you down in deep waters, and it’s too short to live a meaningless and unfulfilled life.

My mom inspires me by her patience. My mom teaches KINDERGARTEN. Yes, she is a saint. Throughout my life my mom inspires me to just be. Just be patient, just be kind, and just handle whatever life throws at you, the best way you can.

My dad inspires me by his strength. Coming from a childhood nothing like mine, my dad has been through some challenges that I think to myself “how?”. How did he do that? How is he where he is today? Strength, dedication, and hard work can really get you out of some tough situations, and that has what my dad has always taught me throughout my life.

Both of my parents who are still together after raising a wild-child daughter, and a son who is stubborn as an mule is amazing. That my friends is true love. Not one day did I hear them fight as a child, sure, things may not have always been GREAT for them, but they never let that show in front of my brother and I. With this being said, my parents have showed me 10 very important lessons.

1. Be true to yourself, if someone doesn’t like you, tough shit.
2. Always be kind, even to the people that are hard to deal with, they’re the ones that need it most.
3. Never talk politics/religion at a bar.
4. Don’t ever give up, because hard work and dedication will get you to the right place.
5. Life either deals you lemons or pickles, either way they’re both a little sour, but you can make some really good things out of both of them.
6. Everyone has a story, just listen.
7. Be happy, because at the end of the day it’s your life, not anyone else’s.
8. Trust in your journey, and be with people who support you instead of hurt you.
9. Never drink wine and shots all in the same night. It can lead to very bad feelings later on.
10. And lastly, always take a chance. You regret the chances you didn’t take, the people you didn’t talk to, or the vacation you always wish you could’ve taken. Do these things, because it’s worth it.

Oh..and one more thing. Love is infinite. When you love the right people, they’ll stand by your side through bad and good. Choose wisely.