There are tons of things our parents do for us everyday that we thank them for. Giving you an extra 5 bucks for gas, making you breakfast, and for scheduling your doctors appointments even though you're an adult who can make them yourself. Here's a few things that I always think about, but I have never actually thanked my parents for.
1. Watching what I want to watch instead of what they want to watch
Whether they want to watch the news or their favorite TV shows, they always let me watch "Supernatural," "Burn Notice," "Grey's Anatomy" or whatever TV show I've been binge watching. They never complain, they always sit down and watch, even though they might think they're "a little too stressful."
2. Always giving me the best steak
Whenever we get nice pork chops or steaks, they will always pick out the best one and let me have it. It might not seem like such a big deal, but to me it's a very sincere example of a small sacrifice they make for me.
3. Always giving me random back and foot massages
I don't know how they know when I need one, but they always do. I guess it's just a parent sense they get, I'm not sure; but it's always at the perfect time.
4. Showing up to softball games even when they have to work late
There's nothing better than being up to bat and seeing your parents car drive up. Even if it's halfway through the game or even at the end of it, knowing they made their best effort to show up means so much.
5. Starting my car in the winter
While I'm still asleep they head out into the cold winter air and start my car so my drive to work won't feel like a walk to work.
6. Staying on the phone when I'm upset and need to talk
When I'm away at school and miss my parents, and I feel like I can't talk to anyone around me, they're always there to listen to me complain. They listen and give the best advice possible without one gripe. Because after all, they just want to talk to you, because they miss you too.
7. Stopping whatever they're doing to help me
When I was younger they would help me with homework. As I got older they helped me deal with "friends" and people who brought me drama, and even helped me find a job. I could never ever give them back what they deserve for helping and dealing with my drama.
And last but not least....
8. For being so hard on me
At the moment of them yelling or being stern, I think "Wow, just give me a break!" but a few minutes later I know they're just being so strict because they love me. They're always so hard on me for my own good. When I was younger I would get mad because they wouldn't let me stay out as late as my other friends, but I realize now that they were only trying to teach me responsibility. I think about how thankful I am for my parents every single day. They do everything they do because they love and care about my well being.
So thank you, Mom and Dad, for absolutely everything. Next time I won't be so silent about my gratitude.
