To my parents

To my parents:

I’m sorry for all that I’ve done that has hurt you, for the times that I have made you cry out in desperation

You gave birth to me and raised me from a chubby little brown-eyed girl with so much light in her eyes

And even as that light dimmed and we started to fight, you never gave up on me

Not once

Thank you for putting up with me for the past 20 years,

            For protecting me from harm that might come my way,

            For comforting me when I am frustrated with myself,

            For pushing me to be a better person,

            For reminding me of who I am and where I come from,

            For the laughter,

            For your endless love and mercy towards a terribly flawed human being.

Thank you