After many years on this Earth, I have realized that there is no love greater than a parents love for their child. I am very fortunate to have the mother and father that I do. I understand that not every parental situation is strong and loving, so I am very lucky to have these people in my life. Just the other day was my parent’s 22^nd wedding anniversary. 22 years full of ups, downs, and hundreds of loving moments along the way. My parents are incredible people, and it is time for me to pay a few thanks. Here are 11 reasons why my parents are the best.

1. They support my dreams

I know that sounds a bit cheesy, but it’s true. I currently plan on being a high school English teacher. Instead of hating on my future profession for not making as much money as doctors, they support it because they know it will make me happy.

2. They are incredibly hard-working

My parents are both working full time, just to make sure that my sister and I can go to college and have the same opportunities as everyone else.

3. They inspire me to go above and beyond

There are many instances in college that as students we have the opportunity to just “get an assignment done” or just “wing it.” My parents have taught me that to be successful, I need to strive for something higher than average. Any success that I have had in life is due to this philosophy.

4. They make me laugh and smile

Some of the best moments that I have ever had, involved my family sitting around the living room laughing at stories that my parents tell. They exude such a positive energy, that it’s hard not to smile when you’re around them. Plus my dad can rap, how funny is that?

5. They taught me the importance of respecting others and treating them with kindness.

Because it seems that nowadays, that is the last thing people are doing anymore. Always be kind, even when it seems the most difficult to do so.

6. They hugged me when times were hard

In my life I have experienced joyful moments, as well as heartbreaking ones. My parents were there with a comforting embrace every step of the way. Going through tough times is never easy, but having people like them makes it more okay.

7. We have our own family motto

My whole life, we have lived by the motto: improvise, adapt, and overcome. We always use it in the face of adversity, or when things don’t go as expected.

8. They were (and still are) present in my life

My parents have always done their very best to be at every single event of mine. From elementary school plays to high school basketball games, they were always present.

9. They are encouraging

My parents have, and always will be, my biggest fan. Whether it’s a good luck text before a final, or screaming my name when I was up to bat, they have always lifted me up.

10. They taught me to accept my flaws

We all want to be perfect, it’s just human nature. However, perfection is impossible. We all have flaws and imperfections, that’s just what makes us who we are. My parents taught me to embrace these flaws and to love myself in the process.

11. They love me unconditionally

My parent have given me the highest and deepest form of love, and I am forever grateful for that.

I am so blessed to have the parents that I do. All the time I hear from social media or the world around me, about kids who were raised with parents that are alcoholics, did drugs, or some other form of hurtful behavior. Situations like that really help me put into perspective just how lucky I am to have such loving, caring, and dedicated parents. They are truly God sent, and hopefully one day I'll be half of the parent that they are.