A Letter of Thanks to My Parents

Dear Mom and Dad,

     Today as I turn 25, I am overcome with gratitude to the both of you.  I have always felt blessed to have such a wonderful family - 2 great parents and a wonderful brother - but now that I am a parent, too...I feel as though I have a new understanding of exactly how blessed I am.
     When Grace was born, my life was changed...and I know that it always will be.  I would not change my life for the world now that I am a mom.  I love every second that I get to spend with my baby girl, but I also now realize the work, dedication, love, and patience that it takes to be a parent. 
     With this understanding comes even more gratitude toward you both.  Looking back at my childhood you made being parents look easy.  You seemed to move through each day seemlessly.  I was about to say effortlessly, but I know that it is not true - because I know that you worked hard to provide Ross and I with the wonderful life that we had - and still have.  I had an amazing childhood, and I am now blessed to have both of my parents as two of my very best friends...my brother, too.
     So as I celebrate my 25th birthday, I would like to celebrate you, too.  Without you, there would be no me, and afterall, I don't remember my actual "BIRTH"day, but I know you both do...and I know that each one of my birthdays bring back many memories for the both of you as I know Joel and I will both remember Grace's birth on each of her birthdays.
     Thank you for everything that you have done to make my life the happy place that it is.  I love you both very much, and I always will. 

P.S.  Thank you for spending the day with Grace and me today.  I really enjoyed breakfast and spending all that time with the both of you!


IDEA FOR YOU: Do you have a birthday coming up?  I know you all LOVE to make others happy, so why not write your own "Birthday Thank You" to someone who makes your life special?  It could be parents, siblings, friends, spouses, children, ANYONE!  Make sure to thank all of the special "gifts" that you have been blessed with.