Our parents do not always say the things we want to hear, but it is always what we never knew we needed. Through the good, bad, and slightly questionable decisions in life, they are stuck with you. They help you during bad times and cheer you on during good times. No one knows you better or accepts you more, and for that and so much more, I say thank you.
1. For always being there for you.
During the good times or bad, you can always count on your parents to be there every step of the way. In every life event, you can look back and see that your parents were always behind you giving you the extra support that you never knew you needed.
2. For pushing you, even when you didn't want to be bothered.
During times you wanted to give up and start all over, they were always behind you, encouraging you to work as hard as you can and do your best. You may not have have loved it at the time, but you can definitely look back and be happy that they forced you to take that extra step.
3. Giving you values to live up to.
Although this can sometimes be frustrating, the pressure that mom and dad put you under actually ends up being a good thing in hindsight. If at any time in your life the question "what would my mom think of this?" came to your mind and made you stop what you were doing, I would say that they did an exceptional job at disciplining you as you were growing up.
4. Making home a place you can always come back to.
College can be stressful, and we do not always want to be in our dorms when we are stressed about school. It's nice to know that you can go home to your parents, a nice home-cooked meal and sleep in your own bed to refresh yourself for the week.
5. Providing you and your siblings with happy childhood memories.
When I look back on my childhood, I remember random trips to the zoo, beach, and constantly going to the park. I also remember tons of family parties and play dates, and my parents making sure my sister and I had the most fun and secure childhood possible. Life gets stressful as we get older, so it is nice to look back on the younger years as positive and happy moments.
6. For instilling standards in you when it comes to choosing your life partner.
If my parents' marriage has taught me anything, it is that I want to be with someone who will be crying with me in the hard times, and laughing with me in the good times. Clearly marriage is not always smiles and roses, but if you are with someone who will always be there for you and support you, anything is possible. My parents have shown me that by always being there for each other.
7. Giving me a vision of how I want to raise my children.
I now know the things that I want to take from my parents in raising my children when the time comes, and I also know what I want differently from my upbringing. There are many things I want to take with me as I am raising my family, and I own all of those qualities to my parents.
8. Being my first phone call when something good AND bad happens.
The second I get a good grade on my test, I want to call my parents. And, the second I need help with something or am upset, I want to call my parents. They always know the right things to say. Sometimes not always what I want to hear, but it always ends up helping in the long run.
9. Accepting your friends as family.
My parents always make our house feel like a home to all of my friends, and my friends know they can always come to my house for a home cooked meal and some laughs.
10. Being your backbone and loving you no matter what.
When I was younger, my dad always said to my sister and I: "Appreciate me and mommy, because no one will ever love you more than us. No one will ever love you more than your parents." I always take this with me, because it is so true. No one in your life will be there for you more than your parents. No one will love you more or provide you with more opportunities,and no one could ever provide you with a much love as they do. So, thanks, Mom and Dad, because I truly do not have any idea what I would do without you.
