Out of maturity comes...an apology

Dear Mom & Dad,

I know this is LONG overdue, but better late than never, right?  You see, I've known for quite some time that all those things you told me when I was a teenager were actually TRUE.  You were right about everything.  The guy you said was no good for me?  Yep, you were right.  The "cool" girls I wanted to be friends with?  Yep, you were right about them too.  Remember when you told me credit cards were bad?  Who knew?! (Apparently, you did, but did I listen?  Nooooo!)  You see, I was STUPID.  I was immature.  I was naive.  I really believed that I knew everything.  And that you knew nothing.  Boy, was I wrong!  Oh, the heartache I could have saved myself if only I had listened to you both.

Only now, 16 years later, am I getting a little taste of what it must have been like to deal with me.  Let me just say this...I DO NOT LIKE THIS AT ALL.  And, moreover, I am truly sorry.  I'm sorry for the eye-rolls.  I'm sorry for all the huffing and puffing and pouting when I didn't get my way.  I'm sorry for the sass-mouth (even the ones muttered under my breath in hopes that you wouldn't hear).  I'm sorry for bad-mouthing you to my friends.  I'm sorry for lying to you (on many occasions).  I'm sorry for acting like a witch bitch (just trying to keep it real).  I'm sorry for acting so immature while arguing with you that I was behaving like a grown up.  I'm sorry for acting like I knew it all, when I clearly knew nothing at all.

At the time, my dramatic teenage-self was convinced that you were out to ruin my life.  It's only been since I had my own kids that I realize that you were just looking out for MY best interests.  All because you loved me.  No matter what I did, how I behaved, what I said...you have always stood by me, taught me, supported me, and most importantly, loved me.

So, I have just one favor to ask you.  Over the next several years, as I'm venting to you about teenage drama and troubles with my own kids, please don't laugh at me.  I beg of you.  Please don't use the phrase, "What goes around comes around".  I get it.  Totally.  Just cry with me, give me words of wisdom to guide me, and be there for me.  I promise I will heed your words of advice this time.  I now know that listening to you can save me years of heartache and miles of backtracking.

Your loving daughter,
Kellie