You drove me crazy but you were the best parents I could have had, even when you were the worst.
1. Most of your rules.
You may not know it because I know I didn’t show you, but even when I broke your rules and even when they made me mad, I was happy I had parents that cared enough to give me rules. And now that I’m out of the house, I’ve found that most of your rules weren’t really that crazy, in fact, I live by them.
2. Curfews
As much as I hated coming home early, now that I’m working all the time, I totally understand. Sleep is important. Structure is important.
3. Long talks with mom
You’re a phone call away, or a fifteen-minute drive, but I miss the talks we had just because you could tell I needed some motherly advice.
4. Hugs from dad
They were the best.
5. The way you loved each other, even when it wasn't easy
Not everyone gets the blessing of parents so crazy in love and that was incredible to grow up with. Now I know what to expect in a marriage, the good and the bad should be full of love.
6. Home cooked meals
Nothing I cook tastes as good.
7. All your lectures
I complained incessantly about the long lectures but, if I’m being honest, I learned a lot about myself by listening to you.
8. All the dance parties
There is nothing a dance party can’t cure. And there is nothing better than dancing with your parents.
9. Making me do chores
I didn’t appreciate it in the moment, ever, but now that I live on my own I’m really happy I know how to deep clean.
10. Growing up with a dog
I can’t imagine my childhood without a dog, I don’t think anything would have been as fun. Even more important than that, my dogs taught me how to love fearlessly. They also taught me about loss and how to grieve.
11. Reading before bed
Unless you were just too tired to function you would read before bed every night, I find myself picking up a book on most nights and I love the routine.
12. Teaching me how to love myself
This one took a lot of time and effort, and sometimes I forget, but everyday I was encouraged to love myself and you never ran out of reasons why I should.
13. All the times my dad said a boy didn’t deserve me
I didn’t listen well enough in high school and I didn’t ask when I first moved out, but I’ve learned my lesson. If the boy I like doesn’t get the approval from my dad, he definitely isn’t worth my time. One day I'll find one you like and then I won't know what to do.
So, thanks for shaping me into the person I am now. I didn’t always listen, I didn’t always appreciate everything you did, but as I grow up I'm learning that you did your best, and most of the time, you were right.
