I always felt I lacked conviction,

The courage to move beyond my ease,

And plagued my eternal malediction,

The curse of all the people I wanted to please.

So simple, to desire validation,

Its trap is one I sought,

Acceptance, belonging, confirmation,

All better left forgot.

But it was in this bitter pursuit,

Where I was only led more astray,

That I rediscovered my route,

By my parents, who never turned away.

And I cannot express,

In appropriate detail,

How, through all the stress,

They help me prevail.

For their support is unbreakable,

And selfless are their sacrifices,

Their love is unmistakable;

Indeed, my words do not suffice.

For they are my inspiration,

Pushing me to my wildest aspirations,

Never denying me my ambitions,

Guiding my on my missions,

A compass in which I always trust,

Whose purpose is good and just,

And though I cannot sum my admirations,

For their effort and their determination,

If I could, in what words I’ve ever had,

I would say,

You inspire me so much, Mom and Dad.