Thank You Mom & Dad

Dear Mom and Dad,

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t feel overwhelmed by gratitude for having you both as my parents. We had a special time together that was filled with many challenges. You both gave me a gift: the gift to read and write when it felt impossible. You made it possible.

Not every parent would have given up a lot of their life to devote the time and effort that you both put into teaching me to manage my dyslexia.

I am sorry for the tantrums, screaming, and meltdowns that ensued when I was faced with learning my sounds, my letters, and what words meant. No matter how I behaved, you both remained steadfast and calm, telling me that “you will get it,” “ keep going,” and “we are proud of you.”

As the years went by, I took for granted what you both continued to give me: a sense of purpose, work ethic, and tremendous executive functioning skills.

Who would have thought that the dyslexia, high school graduate, youngest of your four, could raise two beautiful, successful children, have a very happy marriage, and drumroll, please, become a writer!

Yes, Mom and Dad, I am writing every day. The words no longer scare me. I can find deep meaning in them and spin tales others worldwide read. Can you believe that?!

Not only have I become a storyteller but also a successive passive income artist, and it was because of you both. When times were tough, you gifted me with perseverance, dedication, and passion. Using all of those attributes gave me the strength to take care of you both towards the end of your lives.

The little girl who couldn’t read the “Mac And Tab” phonics book was about to read your cardiology and rheumatology reports from the doctors. Your persistence taught me how to ask questions, giving me the edge in hospital situations to know the right questions to ask the ER doctors and the medical specialists.

No matter how high pressure the situations got during your hospital times, I fell back on my time in high school when exams were coming around. You both sat with me for hours, training me to not break down if I didn’t know the answer. You both gave me skills that I carry to this day, to stay calm and carry on, even when the shit is hitting the fan.

I dream that you both were sitting here reading my letter of gratitude. Like every cliché, I wish I had thanked you when you were alive. Alas, you are both gone now but certainly not forgotten. Every morning, I look at your photos and express my gratitude to you both.

You were more than parents to me. Mom and Dad, you were my best friends. We were a team, the three musketeers fighting off geometry, algebra, chemistry, essay writing, exams, and ultimately your health problems. And when it was time for me to be team leader, I was ready, all thanks to you.

I hope to be half the parent to my children that you were to me. All of the strength, teachings, and tenacity that you showed me will carry on in my kids, your favorite grandchildren. It will be our legacy that will continue down the line of many.

So, as I wrap up this gratitude letter, thank you for believing in me and making me the person I am today. I love you both, and though you are not with me physically, we will always be that team in spirit. I feel your presence in me daily, and that is what helps me get through life’s curve balls.

Love you,

Daphne