Being a parent or a parental figure is such a selfless and thankless job, and I realize this more and more as I grow older. I talk to my parents every day, and every time I ask them what they are doing, they reply with “I’m taking your siblings to karate lessons” or “I just came back home with the groceries” or something of the sort. Oddly enough, now that I live thousands of miles away from home, I truly understand the reality of all they have done for my siblings and I. Each of our conversations end with an “I love you," but it is time I start adding a “thank you” as well.

So here is a start to the infinite amount of thank-you’s you deserve:

Thank you for being my best friends. I want to tell you about everything that is going on in my life, no matter how big or small the news is. Whenever something good happens, you are the first ones who come to my mind; the same goes for when something not-so-great happens. You are the comfort in my life. Thank you for all of those sleepless nights you spent with me. I would be stressing over schoolwork and tests, and you would walk into my room to check up on me. You would not go to bed until I was tucked away. Every time I was sick, you were right next to me with the medicine in your hand. You cheered me on at my soccer games even though I wasn’t the best player. You sat down with me almost every night to help me with those math problems I just could not understand.You have been with me through everything.

Thank you for not only treating me like a princess, but also like a warrior. You instilled in me the ability to live my life with strength and power. You are the guiding force behind my work ethic and motivation. You support me in everything I do and are always there to catch me when I make mistakes (and there are plenty). You taught me to fend for myself and to just go for every opportunity with an open mind and heart. Every time I was upset over a trivial matter you always said, “Don’t worry. I am with you, always." And you are.

You have seen me grow up right before your eyes. You know me better than quite I know myself. I grew up with your advice and knowledge. Because of you, I know the true essence of hard work. You raised me to be an independent individual. You empower me everyday and I want to be exactly like you, which is a pretty hard feat. You taught me how to look past the dark to find the light and happiness. You always know what is best for me, but you also give me the chance to try things myself, and if I fail, you are there for me no matter what. Thank you so much for letting me follow my dreams; you two are the reason why I want to succeed. The person I am today is because of you both, and I hope that person makes you say with pride “This is our child." I will always be grateful for the privilege I received of being your daughter, and I can only repay you with bountiful happiness that I can only hope to accomplish in this lifetime. Thank you for being my role models, my absolute everything. I love you.