In Praise of Parents

FALL 2026

Dearest Parents,

Of gratitude, the ancient Roman orator, Cicero, once wrote--"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others." Even though I may live worlds away from the Rome of 54 BCE in which Cicero penned those words, I think I know exactly what he means.

Over the years, I've learned that the practice of gratitude imbues us with a deep and prevailing sense of calm; perception shifts in such a way so that, rather than seeing the glass as half-empty, we're able to view it as half-full. By appreciating what we have, fear and envy loosen their grip on us, slipping away to make room for peace of mind, quiet fortitude, and something like love instead.

And for some strange reason, when we pause to appreciate what we have--as wise old Cicero pointed out--we're more inclined to embody other virtues, such as humility, fair-mindedness, generosity, moderation, and yes, even those heavy-hitters, faith, hope and love.

Perhaps that's why I encourage my students at this time each year to take a moment and reflect on what they're most grateful for. And, time and time again, the students invariably arrive at the same conclusion: The thing they're most grateful for is... You.

So while gratitude (to quote Cicero) may be the parent of all virtues, it's actual parents like you who deserve the most gratitude of all. I hope you enjoy the written expressions of appreciation from your children, to you, the parents, for all amazing things you do.

Dear Mom and Dad

Thank you for supporting me and guiding me the past 18 years. I know I can be a hassle sometimes but I appreciate everything you have done for me, especially the little things like waking up before sunrise to take me to baseball tournaments. It means a lot to me. Love you so much.

Hi Mom and Dad,

You are the most loving, supportive, and kind parents. You've given me so much liberty and space to become the person I wanted to be, and you never made my ambitious, sometimes stupid dreams feel unachievable. Everything you do never goes unnoticed, from cleaning the kitchen so I'd have more time to study, to just keeping everything calm while I stressed through the long high school days.
I think back on all the times I was completely overwhelmed and probably not fun to be around, and you guys never once made me feel like I was on my own with any of it.
And now that Penn is actually happening, I keep thinking about how none of it would've been possible without you two. I am endlessly grateful for the space you gave me to chase things, whether it was tennis or some idea I was convinced would work, and the fact that you always believed it might.
I'm going to miss your food, your love, and the endless memories we've made. Leaving home is going to be harder than I think I'm ready for, but I'm walking into it knowing I had the best possible foundation behind me.
I love you both so much.

Dear Mom and Dad, 

Thank you. I know I don’t say it enough but I am eternally grateful for all the opportunities you have given me As the fourth of five kids, I know raising all of us was a handful, but you guys were still able to give me all the support I needed and then some. And personally, that was the biggest motivating factor. Knowing that behind all of the work I was putting in I had a stable supporting system I knew I could rely on, and for that I am incredibly grateful. 

To my parents: Thank you so much for constantly supporting me and being my backbone throughout my whole life. I always feel comfort knowing that you are both rocks that I can lean on. I will forever appreciate how I always knew that you guys would be proud of me no matter where I ended up. Thank you mom for taking me on month long trips to take my mind off college decisions and thank you dad for checking in, asking me how I am doing, and always providing reassurance. I would not be who I am today without both of you. I love you forever.

Hi mama, Hi baba! I won’t lie, I’ve been really really sad at the prospect of moving out, but I’m not worried because I know that you guys will always be with me no matter what. Not literally, obviously, but in the fact that everything that I am is built upon your bottomless love and support. If you’ve ever heard of the saying that you are a mosaic of everybody you’ve ever loved, please know that you two are the BIGGEST AND MOST CHERISHED chunks of my mosaic. I feel that every single moment I’ve lived until now is more precious because you guys have seen it with me, and every step I’ll ever take in the future will be made lighter by the fact that you two are walking with me! I love you guys more than anything and I promise to come back and visit lots!

To my parents: thank you for trusting me to make my own decision. I know it must have been difficult to make me take the reins, but I’m so grateful that you trusted me to choose my path for myself. Thank you for the unconditional support over these last years, and I hope to make you proud in college and beyond.

In closing, I want to express my own gratitude-- thank you, dearest
parents, for trusting me with your children, and for another wonderful year.

Warmly,
College Coach Karen