Open Letter to My Parents: Thank You

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Life is all about growing up and discovering who you are. The people around you have a huge impact on the person you become, whether they affect you in a negative or positive way. My parents had a major role in molding me into the person I am today, even if I never realized it. This is an open letter to them, a way to say Thanks.

Dear Mom,

As a child, I saw you as a superhero. I watched you love, help, fix, feed, and provide for me, all while working hard and living your own life. I thought you could do anything, and you were perfect to me. I knew that I could go to you for anything, and I believed that you were one of the smartest people in the whole world.

However, one day, my whole world fell to pieces. I do not remember exactly what took place, but you did not have all the answers. I started becoming embarrassed by things I never noticed before, and I suddenly did not want to spend every second of everyday with you. The realization that you were not perfect sent me on a roller coaster of emotion. First I was angry, then hurt, then lost. However, now I want to thank you. Thanks for teaching me that I do not need to be perfect to be amazing. Thank you for showing me how to be strong yet gentle. Thank you for being my rock and support.

Dear Dad,

Much like Mom, as a child I thought you were perfect. I remember being able to ask you the craziest most outrageous question I could think of, and you would have an answer for it. I was fascinated by you extensive knowledge of everything imaginable. However, one day, I started to question your opinion. I do not remember what you said, but i do remember not agreeing with it. I felt like I mentally hit a wall, because the man who had all the answers was suddenly telling me something that contradicted what I had learned. I was left with a lasting burning question as to who to believe. Was I wrong, or you?  

Today, not much has changed. You still have extreme and unwavering opinions about everything, but you have taught me that I can too. Some of my favorite conversations that we have are the ones where we debate. I love hearing how truly differently we view the world, and sometimes, you open up my mind to things I never considered before. You have shown me that there is nothing wrong with having opinions, and that they are necessary in discovering who you are. For that I thank you.

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Over the past year I have learned so much about myself, and I have grown much closer to the person that I want to be. I have discovered to love myself and to truly enjoy the beauty of life. Although y’all may not have done anything directly to help me, your love and support has pushed me through even my darkest days. I may not be perfect or flawless, however, your unconditional love will always continue to guide me throughout the rest of my life. Thank you for everything.

Hopefully this can inspire people to have the same realization about their parents, as I did about mine. Although parents are not perfect, they are still loving and amazing, and they determine who we become as people, more than we could ever imagine. Thanks for reading!