You have been there all along. From the day I was born, you both have not left my side. You have taught me, supported me, cared for me and have loved me. You have done everything that you can to get me to where I am today.

Looking in the mirror, I can see both of you. I can see dad's eyes and mom's smile. I see parts of you both in my personality. I know that my stubbornness, yet my drive for success and hard-work is from dad. I know that I worry about people and things just as mom does, yet I know that I get my thoughtfulness from her. If I didn't have these qualities, I know that I would not be the way I am today. You both are a piece of me and that will never change. You are my parents, and always will be.

I know that my 19 years here on earth haven't been the easiest. There have been a lot of tears, a lot of yelling, and a lot of disagreements. I apologize for all of the times that I lost my temper, and for the times that I still do. I do not know how you did it, but you managed to help me grow out of my "bratty" pre-teen years.

Although there were some obstacles to overcome, there were also a lot of laughs shared, hugs given and smiles exchanged, growing up. There are so many memories that I will forever cherish. I will always remember having family fun nights and making homemade pizza. But my favorite memories are from the holidays. Making Grandmie's homemade stuffing for Thanksgiving, going to the Christmas Eve church service and racing to find our Easter baskets, are my favorite times to look back on.

I cannot imagine that it was easy. Any of it. Raising three girls, working all of the time and caring for your own parents at the same time would be extremely hard. I am sure there are things that you wish could be different or that you wish you did differently, but I wanted to tell you that you both did good. You worked every day to make sure that there was food on the table at the end of the day. You helped us with our homework, to make sure that we would do good in school. You taught us to say our bedtime prayers and to stay true to ourselves. You taught all three of us to have good morals and values. If I can say so myself, you have successfully raised three amazing, independent women.

Thank you for everything that you have done and for what you still do. I do not know where I would be in my life right now if it were not for you both pushing me to pursue what I wanted in life.

I love you both!