My parents are awesome.

I am thankful for my parents. they have been incredibly gracious this year and I don’t think I could come close to repaying them for their generosity.

When I left Joplin, Mo., in March 2000 for Lawrence, KS, it was a sad day. With my U-Haul loaded and my car trailered behind me, I watched my mom tear up as her baby boy left to make his way in the world away from the area he called home. I imagine my dad wondered if he had given me enough training to not screw things up.

I think they did pretty well, despite a few bumps I’ve had along the way.

There are plenty of people I know who have terrible parents with family lives filled with dysfunction. I’m so grateful I’m not one of them.

So mom and dad, thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I truly don’t deserve you.