Dear Mom and Dad,
As we all grow up, it becomes very easy to forget about everything our parents have done for us. The reason I am where I am right now, is all because of my parents. This is probably very true for you too, whether you realize it or not. I often find myself not thanking my parents the way I should. My parents have done a lot for me, so I want to take a moment to thank them.
First of all, thank you for everything. I want to start off by saying that I truly appreciate everything that you do for me, and that I love you both with every part of me. I know I can have an attitude sometimes and make your life difficult. You go out of the way to make sure my sister and I are more than happy, and I cannot thank you enough.
Thank you for guiding me.
From the time I was just a little girl, to when I had to make a decision on what college to go to, you have always been there to guide me in the right direction. You both have always gave the best advice, and you always told me if you thought I was doing the wrong thing. This made me a better person. Because of you, I know I am not always perfect. I make mistakes, just like everyone else, but that is okay.
Thank you for supporting me.
I know you were probably sad when I said I wanted to go to college five and a half hours from you two, but you never let it show. You just wanted me happy, which you told me all the time when I was trying to make a decision. When I finally made the decision to come to UNH, you supported me so much. You got me so excited to start the next chapter of my life in the few weeks leading up to move in day. I did not choose to move to a different state because I wanted to get away. I chose this school because I wanted to explore what else this world has to offer; I hope you know that. I miss you both so much every day, but you’re supporting me through the start of the next chapter of my life, and for that, I thank you.
Thank you for teaching me.
You can take this figuratively, or literally. Figuratively, thank you for the lessons you’ve taught me over the years. Mom, you always told me to settle for less than I deserve and to stand up for what I believe in. Dad, you taught me how a man should treat a woman. You always treated me like a princess and showed me that “old” romance still exists. On the literal side of things, Mom, thank you for staying up to teach me Algebra and Trigonometry, I don’t know if I would have passed those classes without you. Dad, thank you for teaching me that car maintenance is not just a boy’s job. I don’t quite understand it all, like how to change the oil in my car, but I’m getting there!
Thank you for protecting me.
I know that you both make sure my sister and I are safe every single day, and I thank you both from the bottom of my heart. I would not be I am today without you. Thank for watching over me and protecting me.
Thank you for raising me in a small town.
I’m from rural Central New York, and for those of you that don’t understand what Central New York is like… IT IS NOTHING LIKE NEW YORK CITY!!! I’m surrounded by corn fields, and the parking lot at my high school was filled by guys with huge trucks. I was raised to not be afraid of a little dirt. I was fishing by the time I was 4 years old, and I’ve been riding horses since I was 10 years old. I knew everyone in my high school. My graduating class was 74 people, so our community was super close. The small town I grew up in will forever be a part of me, so I thank you.
Thank you for giving me a sister.
My sister and I are nothing alike. She’s a very quiet, down-to-earth, type of person. I can be quite hyper and outgoing when you get to know me. On the other hand, my sister is very outgoing around my family, which I love. She dances around and is very quirky, just like my dad. It makes me laugh how similar my dad and my sister are because neither my dad nor my sister think they’re alike. My sister can somehow make me laugh even when I’m having a bad day, and I don’t think she even realizes it.
Lastly, thank you for loving me.
I know I can be stubborn sometimes. I know I have an attitude. I know I’m strong-willed. Despite all my flaws, you love me unconditionally. You love me for who I am, and it means the world to me. I’m forever grateful for all you do for me.
Love,
Your Daughter