First off, I want to say thank you. Thank you both. You both raised me to be the wonderful person and everyday I'm seeing more and more of each of you in me. Second of all I want to say that I love you both. I know I don't say that nearly enough but I really do.
Mom,
It wasn't easy for us when I was growing up. We never did see eye to eye on much of anything. I actually resented you. I want to first start out for apologizing. I'm sorry for slamming doors in your face and telling you I hate you. I'm sorry for all the times I lied to you so I could go out and party. I'm sorry for sneaking out and causing you more stress than you deserved. But most of all, I'm sorry for letting out relationship get so bad. I also want to let you know that I forgive you. I forgive you for leaving my father. I didn't understand for a very long time why you did but now I do and I forgive you for it I forgive you for all the times you lost your cool and said things you didn't mean. I forgive you for all the events you missed because you had to work long hours to support us. I forgive you for all the mistakes you make while trying to figure out how the whole mom job works. Lastly, I want you to know that I will forever hold all of our memories in my heart. I'll never forget the silly trips too the mall we took. Or when I taught you what a selfie was. I'll always remember the weird and very inappropriate things we talked about at the absolute worst times. I'll always remember that it was you who got me through my first heartbreak and spent weeks of your time making sure I was okay. But most importantly I'll always remember how much fun we had when we were together. You have taught me so much about life and if it wasn't for you, I don't think I'd be who I am today. Thank you.
Dad,
I want to start off by saying thank you. Thank you for teaching me not to put up with anybody's bullshit and teaching me to know what I'm worth. Thank you for teaching me how to hunt and how to fish. Thank you for teaching me how to change a tire and how to check the oil in my car. Thank you for teaching me that I'm not inferior to the male population and that it is very okay to get your hands a little dirty once in a while. I also want to tell you that no matter how mad I got when you go on my case, it helped. Because you were that over protective father that made sure I was always on my A game, I'm now ready to begin the next chapter in my life. You are one of the most understanding people I have ever met and because of that I was able to figure out who I was by myself. And you always put up with it (even the purple hair and awkward piercings phase). Even though you were always on my case you were also laid back and trusting of me. You never once doubted me throughout anything I've done and for that I am incredibly greatful to have you as my father. I love how close we are and how I can tell you just about everything. I'm still going to call you every night while I'm at college and gossip to you as if you're one of my homegirls (sorry pops but you're not off the hook that easily!). If there's one thing that I haven't told you yet, is that you're my best friend and I don't know what I would do without you.
I know I haven't been the best daughter but I do try my hardest to make you both proud. And as I begin my new and overwhelming chapter of my life, you both will that voice of reason inside my head, reminding me not to go to the party but to stay in and study instead or to not get caught up in a relationship and focus on getting myself in order first. You both are the greatest influences in my life and I know that without either of you I wouldn't be stating this new chapter of my life. Thank you both.
Sincerly,
Your daughter who hopes your proud of me.
