To Mom and Dad,

I am horrible with words in real time; I stutter and things come out wrong and it’s just plain embarrassing. So here’s a little bit of what I actually think -- what I feel -- because I know I fail at saying these things.

To Mom:

Thank you for the time and effort you put into making the house a home. Even when it’s “messy,” it is still comfortable and doesn’t look as bad as you think. I know my brother's friends used to love coming here, and it holds true for mine as well. Everyone I have brought to visit since I started going to college has loved this place and family.You are a wonderful cook and that is something you should be proud of. Not many people get real meals anymore, and it took going to college for me to really appreciate that. My family becomes everyone else’s, and I’m OK with that.

You should know also that you are a wonderful grandmother. Your encouragement of the kids and the love that you give them is indescribable. You are very important to many people and I hope you know that the time you give away is worth so much. It impacts lives in ways that you will never know, and I want you to realize that the marks you have made on others is so much more important than a clean house. You are a beautiful woman in so many ways, but the way you love is what makes you truly special.

Also, thank you for being someone I trust. I’m sure all the things I’ve told you have added stress to your life and probably caused a lot more than a few gray hairs, but it means a lot. I am sorry for any disagreements that we have/have had/will have as I don’t do anything to hurt you, but I still appreciate the fact that you listen to what I have to say and how I feel about certain things. My thoughts and ideas are different from what people would expect, but I’m sure you know how stubbornly I stand by the things I believe in. I am growing into someone that I am proud to become, and I love where my life is going. So even though I am difficult, stubborn and lazy, among other things, thank you for still being there for me. I’m sure it has to be tiring and I am so sorry for that. I love you and all that you do for the family. Thank you.

To Dad:

I know that throughout the years I haven’t been the easiest person to raise and get along with. I have to be one of the most frustrating individuals due to my stubbornness and mistakes, but you continue to love and accept me. And that is no easy feat. Many friends have come and gone because of my idiocy, but you don’t really have that luxury. I’m sure that I have been a large source of trials, and I’m sorry for that. But thank you for treating me no different and continuing to support me.

Going off to college has been one of the greatest experiences in my life. And in leaving home, I discovered quite a few things. One of which was a realization that I take after you in many ways.

I went through my high school years telling people that my dad and I butted heads constantly, that I didn’t really know him. But when I went to college, I started noticing things that would make me remember something you do or things that you have said. When I'm listening to people talk, I realize that I put my hand on my chin and nod in response to what they are saying. I have a lot of memories of you in this position doing the same thing, as strange as that may sound. But I've gotten so many comments on how attentive I am and how much it means that I pay attention that I had to take a step back and think about what exactly I was doing. There are so many little habits like this that I have picked up from you, and it took going to college to realize this.

However interesting the habits are that I’ve picked up, I think that the temperament and way I interact with people are both things that I appreciate far more. When situations aren’t turning out well and people are pushing me to my limit, I have become able to remain calm and listen to everything they have to say. Instead of exploding, I try to understand what they are saying and see things from their points of view. I have also realized that I have become a leader. These are all things that are also said about you.

These things may seem pretty insignificant to you, but each time I realize yet another similarity I have to laugh to myself at the irony. And in all seriousness, I am proud when I tell people that I take after my dad.

Thank you both for the sacrifices you have made and continue to make in order to make our lives comfortable. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to go to college and to live so freely. Thank you for realizing that I want to be independent, for dealing with my stubbornness, and understanding that I make some pretty horrendous decisions. Thank you for loving me in spite of all that. Thank you for causing me to grow up with a sensitive heart; with a desire to help others. Thank you for the traditions and open mind that you have instilled in me, and the patience I have been taught through your examples.

Know that I appreciate you both more than I could ever express, and I am sorry I can’t do more with words or actions to show this.

I love you both very much.