My number one fans were there when I was born. They saw me take my first step, watched me walk off to my first day of school, cried when they had to leave me at college for the first time, and they will watch me walk down the aisle and give my hand to someone else someday.

My number one fans are, and always have been, my parents.

Growing up, I truly had the best fans cheering me on through the obstacles of life, and for that, I owe them the world.

Dear Parents,

Thank you for making me into the person I am today. Thank you for always pushing me to do my best, but accepting me when I’ve been at my worst. You have never made me feel like I couldn’t do something that I really wanted to, and have always pushed me to do my best in life. For that, I want to thank you with my whole heart.

When something happens in life, good or bad, you are my number one. There are no other people that I look forward to telling exciting news to. After a long, hard day of feeling like giving up, or thinking that my best isn’t good enough, I know I can always count on my number one fans to bring me back up where I need to be.

Thank you for giving me a life full of happiness and love, which I know not every child gets. Thank you for going above and beyond in all that you do for me and going out of your way to make me feel loved no matter what. Thank you for letting me cry when I was upset over a boy, a test, or just had a bad day. Thank you for cheering me on during all of my accomplishments and reminding me how proud I make you two. Thank you for welcoming me home every time with a warm smile and a big hug. Thank you for always being crazy happy to see me. Thank you for letting me hear the excitement in your voice when I tell you I’m going to come home. Thank you for always telling me what I needed to hear, but realizing I need to make my own decisions.

I know leaving me at college must have been one of the hardest things you’ve had to do, but thank you for realizing that being on my own was where I was supposed to be. Thank you for raising me to be someone who wants to help people for the rest of her life. Thank you for raising me to be a truly good and kind-hearted person. Thank you showing me what love looks like first-hand. Thank you for teaching me to love myself no matter what.

You will never know how much I truly appreciate you. And saying thank you will never be enough to put into words. I hope that when I am a parent, I will be half the parent you were, and still are, to me. So, thanks Mom and Dad, for making me want to be a better person and for being people I admire everyday.

Love,

Your forever grateful daughter

Don’t pass up a chance to tell your parents thank you and that you love them.