A letter to my parents

To the both of you,

It's not often that we really thank our parents for everything we do, except for Mothers Day when we buy you the biggest bunch of flowers and take you to see a show, and Fathers Day when we treat you to a nice shirt and head out for dinner, but we never truly say thank you. Like really mean it.

For everything that you do.

After all, as a parent, you bring us into the world, and you bring us up. You teach us things to help live the best life that we can. And that, is a pretty important job.

Maybe the hardest too?

But actually, the most important job.

We grow up, and become who we are because of you. We look like you in many ways  and notice similar traits that we learnt and took from you. At a first glance, I look like you mama, with our dark sleek hair and slightly bigger noses than we'd like (oh and early grey hair..), but really I carry more similarities to you Papa with my natural curly locks that I got from you along with the unfortunate dry skin, and also, that thing called road rage...! I have my stubborn streak from papa, my way with words and my creativity and sometimes determination, yet I talk to everyone, I laugh and cry at everything and I over share, just like you mama. But I want to know, where did I get my over worrying, cuckoo land thoughts and gullible brain from? Because I'm really not sure on that one.

And actually, characteristics, genes and all, I don't mind all of these, because I'm a complete mixture of you both, and in my humble opinion that makes me feel pretty good (well, give or take a few health issues...). Getting older doesn't phase me with that.

Ever since Craig and I were kids, you've always taught us what I like to think of the right way in life. You made us realise that if we ever wanted something, we should not only go after it, but we should work hard to achieve and get it. Because just like that, life is all about working hard for what you want and we appreciate that. We value things so much more as we've grown ourselves and know that if we put our mind to it, we can do it. Whenever we wanted a new toy or gadget, or money for a McDonalds, you made sure we did our chores, and by doing those chores we were rewarded. Because we worked for it.

But you've never been pushy.

You've let us find our own paths in life, whether it's how you dreamt of your children's future or not, you've always supported our decisions in every aspect of our lives.
You've given us courage when we felt we lacked it and couldn't quite believe in ourselves.
You've always supported us and offered advice whenever we felt unsure on choices.
You've given us reassurance when we've doubted things.

But mostly you've given us love, in everything that we've done and continue to do.

And you've never ever given up on us when we disagreed with you, which was a fair few times... (because y'know, at nine years old we were totally right!)..And I know, that, that is one of the things we're thankful of the most. Your love, support and the fact you've always been and hopefully will continue to be, our cheerleaders.

Just minus the outfits. I'm not sure your stomach would suit that papa…

We've had some times that have tested us, like many other families too, but when you look back on these moments, you realise they've only brought us closer. For the better.

And never have I realised, until them, just how strong you both are.

Whatever you're faced with, you've always dealt with it straight on. And with a smile.

Which inspires me, inspires us, to be like you.

We've learnt that whatever happens, happens for a reason and the best way to deal with things is by seeing the positive in everything. Even when you know that life is completely about to change.

You take things with a pinch of salt.

You deal with it calmly (OK, mama, sometimes, not so much...) and consider all options.

You realise that life is incredibly precious.

And you tell yourself that you're still here, in this life, which is the most important thing.

To me, that is what makes me most proud of, to call you my parents.

Your gratitude, your kindness, your humour and your warmth to everyone around you. Your appreciation and gratefulness for everyday, regardless of any situation. Your love and devotion to others, your motivational attitude and your pride for everything you do. And the fact, that you just, always smile. Even when things get tough.

That, is such an incredible thing. The best qualities in you both.

And how you work together, always. You're always there for each other, no matter what.

I hope to be like you mama, when I'm a mama myself one day, kind and caring (apart from when we were ill...) and always there when we needed you, and I want to make my children proud, be an inspiration to them, and live a life just like you papa (maybe without the hospital visits..).

And I hope that if I have a love like you two do, when I'm older, then I'll be a very content woman.

You both inspire me in more ways than imaginable, as individuals and as one.

And no matter how many times I thank you, tell you that you're both wonderful people and the best parents I could ask for, you will never truly realise, just how much I mean that.

All my love, always,

"Families are like branches on a tree.