To The Parents I Took For Granted

   Two months ago I moved two and a half hours away from my hometown and my parents to start college. Since being gone, I have learned so much from being on my own. For the first time I have had to pay for my own food, gas, and necessities, done my dishes, taken out the garbage, and more. I have learned to be a responsible and independent individual and made sure to keep my priorities in line. However, the biggest thing I have learned so far is that in my 18 years living with my parents, I definitely took them for granted.

   Mom and Dad, let me start by saying I am sorry. I am sorry for failing to tell you how awesome you are. I am sorry for all the times I left my dirty dishes in the sink after you asked me to wash them a minimum of ten times. I am sorry for all the times I got annoyed with you for asking me to do something I did not want to do, for talking back when I disagreed with you, for not asking before I went somewhere, and for not spending time with you as often as I should have. I am sorry for all the times I may have disappointed you. I am sorry not giving you the whole world when that is actually what you deserve.

   Next, let me say thank you. Thank you for disciplining me when I was younger and for spanking me twice in a row after I informed you that the first time did not hurt. Thank you for raising me in a Christian home and teaching me to be a morally grounded young adult. I have seen so many people here who seem to have no sense of right and wrong and I owe it all to both of you that I have a level head on my shoulders. And also, thank you for never forcing me to follow Christ. I have seen too many people stray away from their faith when they got out on their own because they were tired of feeling like they were in bondage. Thank you for giving me the freedom to choose to love God on my own and experiencing Him for myself. Thank you for showing me the importance of prioritizing academics so that I could be successful in life. Thank you for providing me with everything I needed and so much that I wanted. Thank you for showing me how to love like Jesus.

   I miss having your shoulders to cry on, your listening ears to vent to (in person anyway), and your arms to hold me tight, but I am so thankful that God chose you two to be my parents. I am who I am because of the two of you. I know I did not cover anywhere close to all the things I should tell you I am sorry for and thankful for, but I just want to let you know that you did an excellent job raising two crazy children, and we will forever be grateful for every moment.

Love Always,
Your Little Girl