It’s hard to believe that I am a senior, let alone that it’s 2016 and I am already just about halfway through my senior year. Since it’s almost the end of my high school career and my time as journalist is coming to a close, I am going to be doing something special for the final monthly columns that I have left. Each month I am going to write a open letter to someone or something that has helped to get me to where I am today as well as set me up for my future. This month it is just fitting to start off my new and final series of columns with an open letter to my parents.

Dear Mom & Dad,

To this day, I doubt I have shown you even the slightest gratitude other than the thank you, but you deserve so much more than a simple thank you. While my childhood hasn’t been as smooth as you both probably thought it would be before you had me almost 18 years ago, I wouldn’t change anything that has happened. You two have taught me so much over the course of my life it’s incredible. I’m honored to have you as my mom and dad.

From the family trips to Florida, to the car rides to New York, those trips are some of my happiest memories. Little did either of you know, but by going on all of those trips to Disney, Seaworld, and Universal you were generating a curiosity in aviation that has not only grown, it has exploded. Those trips ,that you both may look back on as not so great because you have since divorced, set me up for my future career as a pilot. I can honestly say ,without a doubt, I wouldn’t want to be a pilot without those family flights.

Mom, While at moments you drive me crazy with your texts, calls, and social media comments/posts, I want you to know that ,while in the moment they drive me crazy, when I look back and think about it I love them. I know this divorce ,that split us all up and sent us off to live with dad, has hurt you so much. I want you to know that while I may not show it I miss you just as much as you miss me.

Dad, we have definitely had our rough moments, but those moments can be a positive while we fight a lot. Without you I wouldn’t have learned that you need to fight for what you believe in no matter what anyone says or does to stop you. I want you to know that I don’t blame anyone for the past or for you and mom splitting up even though I may have said so.

Mom, I know I make it quite clear over and over that I hate having family at my sporting events because, well you can be very vocal in how you support me, but secretly those supportive moments are while very embarrassing in the moment. They have helped me to push my limits and do better in everything that I do.

Dad, We both know that you aren’t the world’s greatest athlete having only played street hockey as a kid, but those times  when you would help coach my baseball teams at an early age are some of the moments that I will never forget because they forged a love for baseball that still exists today.

Mom, Thank You for being you and never giving up on me and supporting any choice I have made, even those you may not completely like yourself. Without your support over the years, I don’t think I would have made have the choices that I have made to date, including my college.

Dad, Thank You for being you because without your strong views and opinions to debate with I know I wouldn’t be as confident in my own choices, sports, and anything in life. I give you so much credit for dealing with us kids because I know we definitely were a handful.

Honestly, It is hard for me to believe that in just about eight months that I will be in college all the way down in Florida. I can’t thank you guys enough for everything you have done to make me who I am today.

I love you both,

Alex

To those reading this, my family means a lot to me. Sometimes as students, we need to look back and give a little gratitude to those who raised us.

For the parents out there reading this, know that most teenagers feel this way even if we don’t always show it you mean a lot to us.

Thank you all for reading see you next month!