Dear mom and dad,
I don’t say this enough but I love you and thank you. First, thank you for giving me three of the best brothers and one incredible sister. As the youngest, I get to receive endless advice that has really helped me out in life. Since there are so many of us, it’s likely assumed that we would fight a lot, but you both raised us to be nothing but kind, despite our sarcastic banter to one another (which of course, is always out of love). Thank you for teaching me almost everything I know.
Thank you for sharing some your favorite stories with me, it explains why we’re almost always joking with each other. This one might be surprising but thank you for being strict. While sometimes it’s hard to deal with (I’ll admit), I usually understand you’re reasoning. Dad, one of your rules was that I couldn’t wear makeup until I was sixteen. While I didn’t like it at the time, I’m thankful now. It helped me see my natural self as beautiful and that makeup wasn’t a necessity. The “no nail polish until you’re 12” rule still makes no sense to me but that’s okay.
Thank you for teaching me the value of hard work. Last semester was tough and I knew I could’ve done better but you were still nothing but proud of me, and I needed to know that. Thank you for always being there for me. In 8th grade, when we had to put our dog down, you decided the night before it happened but chose not to tell me until the morning of because you wanted me to enjoy my last middle-school musical and the after-party with my friends. Sure, I was upset at the time because I could’ve spent more time with her, I’m also glad I got to spend the evening with my friends.
Two years ago, I had surgery. You waited in the waiting room for a little over 5 hours and had to listen to some lady eating obnoxiously, so thank you. Mom, right before I was shipped off to the operating room, I made sure to tell you not to worry, I know how worried you get about us kids when we’re ill and I didn’t want you too. Sure, I was a little nervous but at that point, I’d known the surgeon for two-three years so I knew I was in good hands. You both took care of me for the next six weeks and I owe a big thank you to you guys. I was at my worst for part of that time but I still had my sarcasm, and there’s no doubt I get it from the both of you.
You’ve taught me not to take life so seriously all the time. Dad, you once told me I was being too-sensitive, and I probably was but I’ve made a lot of progress since then and I’m sure you’ve noticed that. And since I’m the youngest and got to see everyone grow older and mature before my eyes, I really hope you both know how well you’ve raised not only me, but my brothers and sister. This also helped me to mature more quickly, and I see that as a good thing. I couldn’t be more thankful to call you my parents. I hope we’ve all made you proud each and every day. Love you!
Love,
Your daughter