Mom and Dad,

I realize the past year hasn't been the easiest for any of us. Last August, I went off to college and left home for the very first time. It wasn't easy watching you leave orientation, a little sad that your little girl would no longer be waiting for you when you arrived home from work each and every day. I saw the tears streaming down mom's face, and I realized that things were actually changing for the first time in my life.

Leaving home wasn't the only major thing that has occurred recently. There has been heartbreak and some major illness too. But no matter what I faced, you two were always right there for me. I could never explain to you just how grateful I am for our late night phone calls, and for all of the times you showed up at my dorm when no one else's company would suffice.

But you see, I'm writing this letter to tell you that I'm ready. I finally have things figured out. I am no longer drowning in the idea that I am lost and alone and that I don't have sensible plans for the future. It has become clear to me through the trials of this past year, that I made all of the wrong decisions in the beginning. Although, I believe the year I spent traveling down the wrong path was needed to bring me to where I am now: inside of a life that I am falling more in love with every day.

In the weeks to follow, I will be leaving home, yet again. But this time, it's going to be different. This time I will be leaving home for good. I know that scares you, and believe me, it scares me too. There is so much that I have yet to learn about being on my own in the real world. But it's all because of the two of you that I know enough to make it through this. It is because of the values that you have taught me that I have the stability in every aspect of life to survive on my own. And to be honest with you, I am so excited!

I have found a peace and comfort in knowing that although I will be on my own, I still have two extremely wonderful and loving parents just a phone call away. I look forward to having you over for dinner at my apartment and hearing all of mom's wonderful decorating advice.

My point is that I would not have made it this far without either one of you. Chances are I would have given up on myself a long time ago, and I would not have anything to pursue at this point. You two mean the world to me. You always have, and you always will! So as I get ready to move in to my first apartment, be still in knowing that you raised me to be the best person that I can be, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Love you to the moon and back.