Dear Mum and Dad,
I don't think you realise how special you both are. I don't think you notice everything you have sacrificed and given up for your children.
From since I was born you have put us first, giving us things and giving less care and attention to yourselves. In word we have and always will be spoilt. Not in the way that we are ungrateful - but that you gave us everything we could have ever dreamed of having and more.
I know that you think that when Terri came into the world we missed out. In some ways we did, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I wouldn't trade our family holidays to Filey and Blackpool for the fancy holidays that my friends at school went on. I wouldn't change our Saturday routine of shopping and McDonald's (I can't tell you how many times I cancelled plans with people to make sure I would come because it was some of the most quality time we got together).
Growing up I never felt left out - and I don't think Lee did either. We grew up in a loving home, helping you love someone a little harder to make sure we kept her for as long as possible.
Thank you for all the lessons you have taught me, how to be more open minded, kind to those around me, how to deal with life in general. Thank you for being there no matter what time of day, even sometimes at stupid o'clock in the morning to make me a cup of tea while i cry.
Mam, you can solve any problem and are always there to talk too. Sometimes I think you know I am sad before I even know myself.
The older I get the more I see you in myself. Some of my habits and the way I act, my love for staying in the house and in my pyjamas. The way I do (or don't) deal with things is very much the same as you too. I am very much my Mother's Daughter, and I wouldn't want it any other way, if I turn out anything like you, I will be so happy.
Dad, you can literally fix and make anything, I honestly don't think (other than spelling) their is anything you can't do. Your hugs make me feel as safe as possible. You are literally my Superhero. I know people always go on about being a daddy's girl, but I am. And always will be. I know you will always be there for me no matter what, and I can't buy you enough Toblerone's or thank you enough.
You have provided and continue to provide for three children (I know we are all over 16, but we are still your babies), one of which is extra special - I want to say me, but you all know it is Tez.
You have taught us right from wrong and some bad habits. Not only all of that but you are my top two best friends. There is nothing I wouldn't tell either of you and that is only because of how you have brought me up. I respect you enough to know not to hide anything from you and look at you sometimes more of a friend than a parent.
When I was younger I used to think you were strict - but you really weren't. Looking back I am pleased you had the rules you did, it is those that have shaped us into who we are now.
You are the two strongest people I have and will ever know. How you have brought us up alongside Terri, have a beautiful home and marriage amazes me. I can only dream of having a relationship and future like you two have. When I think of what I want to achieve in life, it is always a happy family life like mine at home.
I wrote this because I don't think you get enough credit for all that you do. To us, I know it is just life and we have no choice - but if it wasn't for the love and support of you two, our family wouldn't be what it is today. We wouldn't have the weirdly close family bond we all have or the inside jokes.
I don't think their is anything you could have done any different and I just wanted you to know how special you are. Above all, you manage to do all of the above, while dealing with the truth that one day we wont be a family of 5. The Brodley Bunch wont be as big as a bunch.
You have made my 23 years so far, the best they could have ever been and I am so proud to call you my parents.
I love you both more than words can say,
From Princess Jody x
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