Life Skills Report Card                           Parenting 2.0

     "Alexa wrote us a letter" my husband informed me as I arrived home from work the other night. (Alexa is our youngest daughter whose move away to college in September ended 22 years of fulltime parenting.) "You'll cry when you read it" he warned.  He was right. 

Dear Mom and Dad,

     I wanted to write you both a letter to let you know that I miss you deeply even though I don't always find time to say it.  I also wanted to thank you both for giving me the opportunity to attend an amazing school that I love.  I hope you know that I truly am happy here and could not imagine myself in a better place.  Even though I am extremely happy, I miss you both alot. 
     I know raising me wasn't easy, but moving away definitely makes me appreciate everything you've done for me.  Sometimes It's hard not having you around.  I miss mom's back scratches and dad's big bear hugs.  I miss telling you guys about my day and it's weird doing little things like grocery shopping on my own.  However I feel you both prepared me very well and I could not have asked for a more wonderful set of parents.  I love you both so much and I am  thankful that no matter what, I always have a home to return to.  Both of you are hard on yourselves, and I guess I really just hope that this letter shows you that all your efforts do not go unappreciated or unnoticed.  I know Ari feels the same. 
     It really does amaze me how fast time flies.  I feel like yesterday mom was driving me to gymnastics and dad was catching our bunnies.  I feel guilty for the way I sometimes treated you growing up (and no I'm not done growing and yes I will probably still mess up).  I feel I didn't tell you enough how much you mean to me.  I'm trying really hard in school.  I want to prove that I appreciate you sacrificing so much for me and Ari.  I see other parents and realize how lucky I am to be your daughter.  Please feel free to call me more often if you miss me.  I'd love to talk anytime. Thanks for being you. 
                                                                          Love always,
                                                                                   Little Bear