Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you for accepting me and loving me unconditionally. It is a lesson in life I do not take for granted and a character trait I strive to emulate.

Thank you for supporting my children and loving them as they are. For acknowledging that they are indeed children. Noisy, whiny, messy, in-your-face asking why why why, perfectly normal, perfectly themselves, beautiful children.

I'm grateful that you are always excited to see the girls, to hold them and to spend time with them in their world. That is how grandparents foster bonds to last a lifetime. I know that they feel of your love. I'm thankful they have you as good charitable examples in their lives. That they have you for support, encouragement and love without condition. It makes my heart happy to know that you know and acknowledge that family and dear friends are the most important parts of life.

It's hard to put into words how I regret the amount of holidays, special occasions and family times that we have missed while living away. Especially when I know that you would love to have us come and not wish us away. It makes me feel good to come home. I'm planning to come more. Time to get back to my roots. Pencil in the Perkins clan for end of summer cabin fun, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

My two wishes are that a) I had my own vehicle with a never ending supply of free gasoline or b) we lived closer. Currently, I'm hoping one of the two come true, but I'll have to take matters into my own hands, as I'm certain the fairy godmother has entered early retirement.

Love you both!