My Heroes

Dear Moma & Daddy,

I do not honestly know where to begin when it comes to telling you how grateful I am for all that you have sacrificed for me to get to pursue my dreams throughout my life.

You both have taught me how to love like nobody else, and how to stand up for myself whether tactfully or with passion when necessary. You have been my cheerleaders, teachers, caregivers, defenders, and examples. There are not enough words, actions, or gifts to show you how much you truly mean to me.

The best of me comes from you both so I figured I would do a quick little list of 10.

You both have taught me that God is first with the family second. When my back hits the wall I pray, and when my family needs me I will move through whatever is in my path to get there. That is because of you.

Because of you I know my worth & do not settle for anything less than my worth. My self-respect will far outdo any lame attempt of belittling me. That is because you have shown me where my worth comes from & who I am called to be.

Because of you, I make sure to rest when needed. This is a lesson that you have had to teach several times because I am a slow learner. Also because I have seen you both learn the importance of resting.

That you need to make every second count because you never know when it could be your last. This you have taught me whenever I have gotten into a stupid fight, or most recently by almost losing you. I now am working on making sure my words are more positive but still a work in progress.

To be unapologetically me and how I choose to live my life. Because of you, I am able to do that. You have taught me the important difference between valuing an opinion and people-pleasing.

Don’t forget to turn around & help someone else through what you just went through. Because you have shown me if you see something, say or do something to fix it. Helping people has become my biggest passion in life because you both have shown me the joy it brings to both parties involved.

Dream big because impossible is for sure saying I’m possible. Because of you, I have seen the hustle and grit required when dreaming big. I refuse to settle for less than what I am capable of.

Have fun all day every day! Because of you, I know that if you are not having fun then you are kind of missing the whole point.

Always be humble & kind. Much like the Tim McGraw song because of you, I know that you are only as good as how your character shines through. At the end of the day, the trophies and all the awards do not mean a thing if you treat people like they are beneath you.

Lastly, When in doubt or fearing what to do next, I know that is not Jesus talking. Because of you I have witnessed being scared but doing it anyway.

So to wrap it all up I can honestly say that when it comes to my hometown my 2 biggest heroes are the both of you. Without you, there would be no me or Janna- Maree. Without you, there would be no laughter. Without you, there would be no light shining bright. Without you, there would be no living truthfully. You both make so many people's worlds better and full of love.

All I gotta say is thank you for being our parents because we got a cut above the rest.

Love,

Deda & Jama