1. They never left you. Your parents were the ones that got up in the middle of the night just to hold you when you felt alone. They didn't leave you there to cry, they comforted you because of the precious joy you brought to their hearts.
2. They punish you. Their favorite line is when you say, "well everyone is else is doing it" because they don't want to be like anyone else out there they want to be your parents and do what's best for you. They love you enough to know that you don't always need to get what you want.
3. They are your biggest cheerleaders. So maybe, they missed a few ball games here and there but they knew what number you were, what position you played and they were in the parking lot every away game waiting for you to load off the bus and deal with your tired sassy mouth.
4. They genuinely care. They always ask you where you're going, who you're hanging out with and how you day is going because they care-- not because they want to drive you absolutely bonkers. They want to grow with you and build that relationship that will last a life time, if you would just stop shutting them out.
5. They listen to you ramble. Your day was awful, they listened to every single word of gossip that spewed out of your mouth. When your day was great, they listened to the excitement from your voice turn into an hour and thirty minute story.
6. They push you. They know that a C in your math class isn't your best work. They understand that maybe you are trying but not to the full extent. They make you do your homework when you get home and do extra practice problems so that you feel confident, although you just view it as laborious work.
7. They stand up for you. They hear the parent's of your best friends talking about how your major wasn't the right choice, or how you aren't making enough at your job and they are the one's that speak on your behalf. They talk about your passions and dreams, because they believe in you and see the way your eyes light up doing the things you love regardless of what the paycheck looks like.
8. They become your #goals. After all the years of listening to their rules you start to understand why they were set in place to begin with. You see the way your parents look at each other and you know that's what you will strive for-- a true soulmate.
9. They pray for you. They aren't just those people they say, "yes I'll pray for you". They most likely have a book full of pictures, multiple notebooks and a long list of specific features they are praying for you. They want the absolute best for your life and they believe in the power of prayer to withhold these virtues you wish to pursue.
10. They don't just walk out. By your early twenties you'll notice so many people you thought would be in your life forever are gone. Your parent's have stayed through the good, the bad, the ugly, and the uglier stages of your life and never loved you any less. They still encourage you, love you and strive to make you a better individual.
So stop talking back to your mother when she says your room looks a little dirty because she doesn't want you to be that lazy house wife.
Stop rolling your eyes at your dad when he says, "quit dating the jerks, you can do better" because believe it or not he knows you and what you deserve.
Dedicated to Moo Moo (Missi) and Papa Bear (Adam) thanks for all the support, late night talks and prayers for me in my life. I wouldn't want anyone else to lead me, cook for me and give me things I don't deserve. I love you both so much, and thanks for encouraging me in my passions and in writing.
