In college there are many things we forget to say. We forget to tell the person we like that we do, in fact, like them. We forget to tell our friends what we really want to say, instead of blindly agreeing. We sometimes forget why we are in college. But most of all, we forget to tell our parents how grateful we are for the opportunities they have given us. We forget how much our parents do for us, and how thankful we would be if we ended up similar to them.
I look around at everything I have and think about all the things I would not have, given that my parents hadn't provided. I think about the love and kindness that flowed throughout the house as a child. I remember the trips to the hospital to see my dad when he was at work, and the proudness in his eyes. I think how my home was, and still is, a safe haven for so many of my friends. I think how my parents only had two children, and yet never complain that there are constantly five children in their house. I think about the homemade cookies my mom bakes after a long day of elementary school, and the scared look in my dad's face as he took me driving for the first time. I think about all of the times from my childhood and the lack of thank you's handed out to my parents. I think about all of the times I forgot to tell them how honored and proud I am to call them my family. I think about how they don't even know that I hope I grow up to be like them.
There have been so many long nights of studying where I have called my dad to talk me down. I have listened to his college stories of his "good ole days" and the nights of medical school that seemed nearly impossible. I have called my mom when I am having a difficult time with a friend and listen to her advice and her stories of the mistakes she has made. I have called my little brother just to remember the constant chaos that goes on within the house. Those phone calls make me realize just how much I hope to grow up like my parents.
I hope that one day I can be as intelligent as my father. I hope I have the wisdom of my mom. I want to be as adventurous as my mom and just as mischievous as my dad. I hope I have the laughter they bring to the house, the smiles they share between each other, and the kindness they show each other.
College is a time where our priorities change temporarily, and thanking our parents is not always at the top of those. The morals we learned throughout our 18 years of living at home seem to momentarily disappear and the most important thing appears to be partying with our friends. Despite everything they do for us, they never ask for a thank you in return, they just wait for one. So thank you to all the parents around, because as kids, we hope to be like you one day.
