We really do not know what we have till we have to struggle to get everything we have.

At home, we do not have to worry if there is toilet paper or that we can only take a five-minute shower because we might not be able to afford our water bill for this month.

We grow up and are expected to figure out this thing called adulthood. But back in the day, it was figured out for us. Mom picked us up from school and dad asked if your car had enough gas. In that moment why are we not able to realize what we have?

Why are we not able to realize that mom would give you all the time she has, and dad would always make sure you had more than enough?

"I can't wait to get out of this place!"

Now when I am away I yearn for the comforts of back home. That certain smell of your home that you do not realize till you leave for so long. The warm attention that your puppies give you when you walk in the door.

Our parents, at one point, need to let us grow up. They do not want to see us struggle for money or time, but with no struggle, there is no growth.

When we are in the center of our struggle, we are just craving a lifeline. But please remember, a lifeline doesn't just wipe away all your problems. Sometimes a lifeline is the right words of encouragement you needed to hear in that exact moment.

These years of our lives will and are shaping the men and women we will end up being for the rest of our lives. And our family back home have helped painting our canvas.

Why are we not able to see the good and the comfort of our family till we are gone?

Why do we have to be away from our mothers to realize she is one of our best friends?

Why do we have to be surrounded by rude boys at school to realize your dad is one in a billion?

When is it time to thank the people that instilled so much into our lives? Do we thank them at graduation? Or when we get our first adult job? Or should we start right this very moment?

I thank you, John and Tina Kizewski, for giving me this life and countless of lessons. Being away makes me cherish every little moment I have moving forward with you.

Thank you for teaching me that hard work will pay off. Thank you for giving me the responsibility to own goals, so I can be proud of myself when I accomplish them. Thank you for teaching me, that when I am struggling I am not drowning, I am swimming.

Nothing was just given to me, and I know I fought you almost every moment on this journey but please know, I cherish and respect the ways you decided to bring me up. I know I was a pistol, but it was no accident that God gave me to you guys. You have given me beyond everything I have needed to succeed and I do not know how else to repay you but succeed myself. It is not an easy task but you made it all possible.

It is sad that I had to move away and be alone to realize how much I really had. But there is no going back now. This is the time of growth and gratefulness.

You have given me so much and helped me grow into the woman I am today and the process is not done yet.

Thank you for sticking with me on this journey and seeing promise in me, that I was not able to see myself.