If there are any people in your life who love you unconditionally, it's your parents. No matter how many tantrums you have, how stupid you can be, how many fights you get in, they're always there for you. There's nothing like the bond between you and your parents. And sometimes, we definitely take advantage of them.
From when you're a little kid, your parents always put you above all else. You were their world, their everything. From every soccer game to every dance rehearsal, you could count on one, if not both, of your parents to be there. They've always been your biggest cheerleaders, always in your corner.
People often don't understand or appreciate the love their parents have for them. Everything I have today and everything I am is because of them. Some of my best memories consist of movie nights with my parents or car rides on family trips. There are no other people quite like your family.
It's always nice to go out with your friends and have a fun time. There's no denying that. But it's upsetting when people don't take the time to spend time with their family. They think they're "too cool" or have better things to do. It's hard to see it when you're young, but it's hurtful. At the end of the day, your time with your family is precious. And you should take advantage of that.
Now, there's no denying that parents can be embarrassing at the time. We all know it. It's just a part of the parenting handbook. Whether it's dancing in public or yelling out the car window as they drop you off at school. But at the end of the day, it's because they love you. Some of the best times are when my dad acts like a goofball or when my mom belts out the soundtrack to The Sound of Music. It's those small things, those small memories that make my parents so amazing and precious.
Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in life and what you're doing that you forgot to make the time and effort with your parents. But it shouldn't be that way. Take the time to be with them, to show them how much you care, and how much you mean to them. Life is far too short, so show your parents how important they are. And never ever take advantage of the time you have with them.
Even the smallest gesture means the world. Whether it's going out to lunch with them or sending them a short text just to let them know you're thinking about them, do it. I know that I don't want to look back and wish that I had more time with the people I care about. I'm so incredibly grateful to have the family that I do and I don't want to waste any time I have with them.