Dear Mom and Dad,

First of all, thank you! Thank you for everything you have done for me until this very day. Thank you for working over 40 hours every week just so my sister and I could get everything we wanted. Thank you for buying us name-brand clothes so we could fit in during our high school years. Thank you for taking us on trips even though you had to take out a loan to pay for it. Thank you for getting us everything on our Christmas list even if some of the things were a little pricy.

Dad, ever since I was a little girl I never got to see you. You were at college by day and then work by night. I never understood why you went back to college but you did it so you could get a better education and job so we could have a better life. I was always angry or sad that you were never around. During my years in school I remembered looking out into the crowd at my middle school concerts, volleyball games or dance recitals but I never saw your face. I understand now that there was a reason. You missed all those things because you were making the money to support us. You did it because you love me.

Mom, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for always being grumpy, moody and annoyed with you. I know that you were trying your best. I always complained about the meals you cooked, not having time to do my laundry or making me drive the crappy car to school. It breaks my heart now just looking back at this and knowing you were trying your best to be a good mother. I bet you were tired after coming home late from work every day but you did my laundry or cooked my meals anyways. And when I complained about driving the crappy car, you had to find a ride to get to work. You did everything for me because you love me.

Money was never brought up as an issue in our home because you both work hard so I could have a better childhood! And I am forever grateful that you raised me into who I am today. Mom and Dad, I am going to make a difference in the world and prove to you that your hard work to raise me as a middle-class child will pay off. Now it’s my turn to take care of you.

I don’t say this enough but I love you and thank you.