Dear Mom and Dad,
I do not even know where to begin. I have been carrying the weight of this apology in my heart for so long, yet every time I try to put it into words, I feel like nothing I say will be enough. But I owe you this. I owe you more than just an apology; I owe you gratitude, love, and the promise to do better.
Looking back, I can see so many moments where I should have been more understanding, more patient, more appreciative. I can see all the times I let my frustration take over, all the times I argued when I should have listened, all the times I thought I knew better. I remember the times I rolled my eyes when you worried about me, when I brushed off your advice as if it did not matter. But it did. Everything you ever said, everything you ever did, was always out of love. And I see that now, clearer than ever.
I know there were moments when I hurt you with my words, when I made you feel like your efforts went unnoticed. But the truth is, I have always noticed. I noticed the way you put my needs before your own, even when you were exhausted. I noticed the way you made sacrifices I was too young to understand at the time. I noticed the quiet moments when you were struggling, but you never let it show because you did not want me to worry. I noticed, and I am sorry for not saying thank you enough.
I am sorry for the times I made you feel like your love was not enough. I am sorry for every time I shut you out when you were only trying to help. I am sorry for not calling as often as I should, for not checking in as much as you deserve. I am sorry for the days I was too busy, too distracted, too caught up in my own world to realize that all you wanted was to hear my voice, to know that I was okay.
The older I get, the more I realize just how much you have done for me. The late nights, the early mornings, the endless worries you never spoke about. The way you worked so hard to give me a life filled with love and opportunity. The way you always believed in me, even when I doubted myself.
I want you to know that I see it now. I see everything you have done, and I am endlessly grateful. No matter how many mistakes I have made, no matter how many times I have fallen short, your love has never wavered. And I do not take that for granted.
From this moment on, I promise to do better. I promise to listen more, to call more, to show up more. I promise to never let a single day pass without letting you know how much I love and appreciate you. I promise to never take you for granted again.
I love you more than I can ever express, and I am so sorry for the times I made you feel anything less than cherished.