At a young age we never notice that we are instantly being taught what it means to be truly loved. It is not until we are older that we learn to appreciate that selfless love only a parent or caregiver can give. The sleepless nights, the rides to and from school events, help with homework, a shoulder to cry on, and simply just being there.
It is not until we are older that we realize how precious our time with our parents is. We look back and laugh at all of the memories. Those little arguments that once made us mad during our teen years are now moments we see as valuable lessons. All of the advice we brushed off we wish we would have listened to. I do not think there was ever a time I thought my mom would be my best friend, and now she is who I turn to the most.
When I look back at all my parents have done for me I instantly get a feeling of gratitude and appreciation. I do not think I will ever be able to pay them back for everything they have sacrificed to make sure I succeed and am always happy. It is not until we are older that we so desperately want to give our parents the world because they deserve that and so much more.
To my parents:
Thank you for always being there.
Thank you for loving and supporting me when I was the most difficult.
Thank you for standing by me when I made mistakes I never thought could be fixed.
Thank you for always putting my needs before yours even when you shouldn’t have.
Thank you for calling just to tell me that you are proud of me.
Thank you for loving me unconditionally.
Thank you for pushing me to pursue my dreams even when I am discouraged.
Thank you for always being there.
Thank you for creating a home I always felt safe and secure in.
Thank you for keeping me involved in many activities.
Thank you for opening my eyes to many things in the world.
Thank you for teaching me to always value my education.
Thank you for teaching me about my self-worth.
To my mother who is the most selfless person in the world. I can only hope I turn out to be half the woman you are. I hope I learn to put others before me and that I stay compassionate in a world that can be so full of hate and anger. For teaching me to not be a judgmental person. For teaching me to take the time to get to know people. For teaching me how to be kind and always lend a listening ear. I hope that I one day I can be as amazing of a mother as you are.
To my dad who was the answer to our prayers. I cannot thank you enough for coming in our lives and treating me as your own from day one. I am so unbelievably lucky to have you as a father and teach me how a daughter should be loved and treated. For always supporting me no matter what mistakes I have made. For providing for our family and making sure we are always okay. For showing me what to look for in a future significant other.
I may not tell you how much I love you and how blessed I am to have you both in my life but you mean the world to me. I would not be the same without you. The world would not be the same without you. Thank you for instilling in me that I deserve the best and nothing less. For teaching me to never settle and always work hard for what I want.
Thank you for being so selfless!
– Jalysa K