Dear Mom and Dad,

I grew up with the notion that you guys didn’t love me enough because I never had new clothes like the other kids, or the latest technology device, and I always had to do chores, never heard the words “I love you” coming from you guys. Growing up, I resented that, and was a bit sad that you guys didn’t love me. I never got to experience bonding time with you guys and I grew up thinking to myself I would be a much better parent to my kids than you guys ever were. I’m twenty now, and it has taken me a long time to realize how much you do love me and how wrong I was about you guys. All those times I was alone, you were out working to support ten kids so we could have a roof and food on the table.

I’m so proud of you guys. You came to the US with no education and couldn’t speak English, but you guys managed to support us. Today you own your own house, cars, and all of your kids graduated from high school. Now that I’m in college, I realize all the bills you have to pay while still supporting ten kids is not easy, but you guys are wonderful and did it. Not once were we ever on the verge of being homeless. I love you guys.

Looking back, I am ashamed to be so selfish to want everything while you were busy supporting us so we could have an education you never had. You showed me the true meaning of the American dream: building a family from nothing, working hard, and at the end of the day knowing everything you own is yours cause you never gave up. I hope one day I can be half as a good as the parents you guys were. You guys are my motivation, my inspiration, my life. I love you.

Your daughter,

Alee, age 20