Parents… we spend most of our lives being annoyed by them, wondering why they never understand, and not being able to wait until we no longer must live with them. At the age of 5 till the age about well however old you are, you despise that one little word “no.” I swear it’s a parent’s favorite word. Growing up hateful words had been said, tears have been cried, and laughter was inevitable. Does it only take time and age to realize how much our parents mean to us and how much they have done for us.

I know that I have taken mine for granted. Now I just want to say thanks mom and dad, and if you have a step parent a thank you to them too. Thank you for always being there, for calling the doctors and being there for the many hospital trips. Thank you for picking the phone up at 3 am and getting out of bed to come get me, no matter the distance. Thanks for picking up the phone and the broken shattered pieces of myself when I no longer had the strength to do it myself. For not judging me, for loving the weirdness unconditionally. Even for the scolding, grounding, and sometimes even the yelling that would normally leave me in tears and mean things said.

You taught me how to be respectful and how I should be respected. Taught me the necessities I would eventually need. Taught me to be tough, to never back down, and to fight for what I believed in. To never let anyone put me down, for I am beautiful inside and out and those who cannot see it are blind. Telling me that no one will ever be good enough because I am too great and when I tell them that they just have say that because they are my parents they always correct me.

I can wake up and look like hell froze over and in my parent’s eyes I can still see love in them. When I’m all dressed up and feeling self-conscious, you guys make me feel like a princess and no one else can do that. When I am broken, and think that nothing will fix it, I will call you. For no one else can help me see as clearly as you do. When I’m ready to give up, you will tell me how strong I am and that I can overcome anything.

Parents… where would I be without you? God only knows that answer; so, thank you, thank you for everything. No words could ever show how appreciative I am for you but hopefully you know in your heart that I love you dearly, even if it doesn’t really show.