Thanks, Mom and Dad...

... For raising me. Wouldn't be here without you. Seriously.

... For helping with my homework. I'm pretty smart, but sometimes I just needed a little extra help. Then I got to middle school, and the math got crazy hard. But thanks for still trying even then.

... For teaching me how to feed myself with utensils. A skill I will always appreciate.

... For not letting me change my name to "Sally" when I was four. I'm really grateful for this one because I would be walking around, trying to make my way in the world, as "Sally Hayes." If that's not awful, I don't know what is. (If anyone named "Sally" is reading this, I don't hate your name. I am just definitely not a "Sally." You rock that name though.)

... For being my biggest fans. I played a lot of sports growing up. I mean a lot. I only played one soccer game (fourth grade at a tournament in Jackson, TN) without one of my parents there. That's fifteen years of dance recitals, soccer games, cross country meets, etc., and they only missed one. I have the best parents.

... For always trusting me. My parents were never on my back to get my homework done or to not do bad things. I think the only problem I ever had was being home by curfew in high school (because I had a bad habit of falling asleep during movies), but they always believed me. They didn't ask a zillion questions or hack my Facebook account or phone or anything else crazy. They trust me, and I will try my best to never betray that.

... For being the "bad guys." I can't count on my fingers and toes how many times my mom let me tell someone "I can't come over/go to your party/let you come to my house because my mom says no." Thank you, Mom, for letting me use you as the bad guy to avoid awkward social encounters.

... For teaching me to be myself. You were there for me when I shaved my widow's peak in sixth grade. You questioned why I did it, and you told me I shouldn't care what others think.

... For teaching me manners. So many people don't have them, and I'm so glad I do.

... For giving me two little sisters who mean the entire world to me. Yeah, they used to steal my stuff and drool on everything, but I still loved them. I love them now as well.

... For taking care of me when I was sick. Maybe six or seven times in my entire life (*knocks on wooden desk*), the most recent time being over spring break. I'm big and tough, but sometimes you just need someone to shove a thermometer under your tongue and bring you soup.

... For loving me. Unconditionally. I'm not perfect; I know that. I wish I could be for you guys, but I know that's unrealistic. Thank you for loving me for who I am and everything I will be.

... For everything else I didn't think to put on here that I will probably remember as soon as I publish this.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I love you guys, and I wouldn't be the person I am today without you.