I've come to realize that I have not appreciated my parents as much as they deserved to be appreciated until I lived on my own this summer. I did not realize how much they actually did for me until I had to do it all myself.
1. Cooking/making meals EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
Going from living in a household where my parents cook dinner almost every night to being completely on my own was a HUGE adjustment. I didn't realized how much I appreciated my parents always cooking dinner and packing my lunch for school until I didn't have that luxury anymore. I lived on microwaved potatoes and very sad salads when I was stuck fending for myself. Packing a lunch to bring to work the next day was also such a burden for me, even though it took about 5 minutes to make. So thank you Mom and Dad for cooking tasty meals and always making sure I am well fed.
2. Always being willing to drop you off places
Looking for rides is pretty tiresome and Uber rides can really wreak havoc on your bank account. When you're at home, you can always ask your parents to drop you off somewhere if they’re willing. Also, it’s easy to hop in the car with your parents going places. But when you’re on your own, you’re driving yourself everywhere and using up that expensive gas that you try so hard to make last. So thank you, Mom and Dad, for carting my butt around for all these years, and even still dropping me places once in a blue moon. Thank you also for letting me control the radio in the car, as long as it's not rap .
3. Washing the never ending piles of laundry
I tend to put off washing my dirty clothes until I only have two unmatched socks and a ridiculously oversized t-shirt left. When I do finally give in and do laundry, it tends to take me three days to put away the clean clothes. So thank you Mom and Dad for washing my stinky socks and shirts that are constantly stained with food so that I have acceptable clothes to wear every day.
4. Keeping the house neat and homey
It's really great living at home and being free to walk around barefoot without getting thousands of crumbs stuck to the bottom of your feet. It is also much easier to unwind after a long day of class and work on a big comfy couch covered in pillows and blankets. Home is where the heart is and no matter where I go, my home will always be the home that my parents made for my siblings and myself. So thank you Mom and Dad for creating a safe and comfortable home that is always an enjoyable place to be
5. Always asking about your day and how you are doing
When your parents ask "how was your day?" or "how are you doing?", they genuinely want to hear about the happenings of your life. They enjoy listening to your stories and hearing you speak passionately about the things that you love. So thank you Mom and Dad for listening to my stories and always giving me the answers and the advice I need.
These are just a few things that our parents do for us on a daily basis. Mom and Dad, thank you for everything you have done for me throughout the years and everything you continue to do for me. Never forget to thank your parents, even for the little things. Last but not least, cherish your time at home before the adult world comes knocking on your door.
