Open Letter

Dear mom and dad,

So, I guess the time has come for me to pack my things and move on with my life.  It's been seventeen years under this same roof and in less than three short months I will be saying goodbye.  I'm not leaving everything behind.  I get to take my books, my clothes, my favorite pillow.  I'll take my Casio, my new acoustic guitar, my ipod and maybe even my bowling balls.
But, I don' t know how I'm going to take your love.  I don't know how to pack something like that in a suitcase. 
You guys have loved me in your own ways my whole life long.  I always knew it, but I'm just beginning to realize it. 
I want to share that with you and let you know, I love you too.  But sometimes love is being frank, and being truthful, even when it hurts.  And the truth is, this family isn't as close as we once were. 
I know every family is different.  I can't envy other families just because they have yearly traditions and spontaneous day trips, give each other presents and hug even when they aren't saying goodbye.  Our family just isn't like that.  But, what we used to be and what we are have changed significantly. 
These days, time is a precious commodity.  Most times, we don't have time for family dinner.  We don't have time to watch a TV show together, or time to play a board game.  Things we used to have time for when me and John were little, but now time is better spent elsewhere and doing other things.  We don't even have time to get mad at each other or to tell me to clean my room. 
I understand many children would rather this freedom over the tyranny of a helicopter parent.  I know that two people who come from oppressive backgrounds can agree that no, their child shouldn't have to go through the same thing.  But, frankly speaking, the balance can tip both ways.  I miss fighting because I miss making up and being closer because of it.  I miss having to do chores because I miss knowing that everyone contributed to the household.  The truth is, love is not a thing you pack in a suitcase, it's an ongoing relationship.  It's the moments you share, laughing and shouting, smiling and crying.  It's in the memories made together... but how can we make memories when we're not together?