I’m going to send this letter to my parents tomorrow.  I also bought them both these little wood things from Patina.  One says “I love that you’re my mom” and the other says “I love that you’re my dad.”  I owe so much to both of them and they mean the world to me.  I don’t think I tell them that often enough.

Hi Mom and Dad,

I wanted to send you a thank you letter for the money you gave me for my trip to New York.  I wasn’t expecting it, but can definitely use it.  I’m excited to get a break and get away from things for a little while before I go through with the next surgery.  I’m also happy to report I got one pair of sandals and three pairs of shoes in my carry-on.  I’m wearing my boots so my choice in footwear while I’m there will only be slightly limited.

I’m really grateful for all that you guys have done, and continue to do, for me.  I’m not sure where I would be at this point without you guys, but I’m certain it’s nowhere near where I am today.  I feel like I’m on the cusp of really figuring out what my life is going to look like (and excited about it!) and without your help I would have never made it to this point.  A lot of stuff happened that I had a really hard time getting through – most specifically that bipolar crap.   Those two manic episodes I went through really fucked my mind up for a long time.  I feel like that’s all behind me now.

I’m happy now, but not too happy.  I remember being on a train in Europe last year when it dawned on me that I was genuinely happy.  I finally felt content with who I was and for the first time in maybe my entire life, I could say that I actually like myself and where my life is headed.  Not looking forward and not looking back, but living in the moment.  It was a well deserved revelation.  I’m no longer afraid of the world around me or the people in it.  I’m not afraid to pursue my dreams.  I feel like I’ve finally learned to live.

I’m going to do something great with my life.  I might not know what exactly that’s going to look like 10, 20 or 30 years from now, but I know if I continue exploring this world around me and finding things that interest me I’m not going to look back with many regrets.  I have faith I’ll find my place in this world and in turn find a sense of fulfillment.  I can’t thank you enough for all the help, support and guidance you’ve given me as well as the great example you’ve set with the lives you both live.  I cherish the relationship I have with both of you and want you to know how much you mean to me.

Love,

Andrew