To My Parents...

The words "thank you" don't do enough justice. I can honestly say you two have done an absolute amazing job in molding not only me, but my two older brothers. You were not overly strict or overly protective (at least not ALL the time) but you made sure that we were always taken care of. You have both taught me so much about life, about love, about faith, and mostly, about myself. You've always told me to chase me dreams and to not let anything stand in my way.

Mom,

I don't say this enough but I love you to pieces. Granted, there is no one on this planet that gets under my skin as fast as you do but I know that when you say things, it's only because you care. You have always been such a great role model to me. You are so strong and I know I never mention it, but you never cease to amaze me. The fact that you decided to go back to school for your Doctorate is absolutely mind blowing. I brag about how great you are. I know we bicker and I know we argue, but thank you for never giving up and throwing in the towel when I needed you most. I was not blessed with a sister, but I have always cherished our relationship together because even though you are my mom, you are also my best friend. I love when we get a moment to ourselves and we just laugh and let out our frustrations from the day. I always strive to do my best because I want you to be nothing but proud. Thank you for showing me how to fight for what I believe in. In life, love, and everything in between. For giving me the strength to stand up for myself and expect nothing less than the very best.Thank you for getting to know my friends – all of them – to make sure that I was choosing them wisely. That I was continually surrounding myself with respectable and responsible people through each and every phase of my life.

Dad,

You are my partner in crime. From sporting events, to Home Depot runs, I have always loved spending time with you. I know now that I am older that many of my friends don't have good relationships with their fathers and that makes me sad because without you, I'm not sure what I'd do. You can put me in tears laughing in a matter of seconds. You have given me a stronger backbone because let's be honest; I am a HUGE softy (thanks mom). Dad, thank you for showing me what hard work looks like. For showing me that nothing comes easy, and that countless hours of blood, sweat and tears really does pay off. Thank you for showing me how a man should treat a woman. For proving that chivalry isn’t dead, and giving me baseline expectations for the very least of what I should accept. Some of my fondest memories with you were road trips to other states where'd you'd sing along to the radio with me. Or whenever we go grocery shopping and we start getting into trouble with the people stacking the shelves. You never miss an opportunity to put a smile on my face. You are such a hard worker and stop at nothing to provide for our family. You have made Matthew and Corey into such outstanding men. You are greatly admired and I hope you know that.

Thank you for always being there for me. Without the two of you, I don't know where I would be. I realize I do not thank you enough for everything. And for that, I apologize. If I have learned anything while being away from you, it is that you are the most important people in my life, and I love you both more than anything.

So, mom and dad... Thank you. For everything. I promise I will work hard to make you proud.