From diaper days to annoying adolescent years and on to high school graduation, my parents always supported me. It took me about 18 years before I realized just how much they sacrificed for me. Buying me that overly priced Barbie playhouse for Christmas and getting me the awesome new soccer cleats every season resulted in me expecting the coolest new stuff. I took everything for granted and then, the summer that I moved out, I realized how much I needed them.
As I sit here and look back at just how much they have done for me and see how our relationship has grown throughout the past year, there are a few things that come to mind:
The silly fights were never worth it.
"What do you mean I can't stay out till 3 in the morning?! That's so unfair!"
I probably never needed that Snickers bar that I cried for in the middle of the store.
It probably embarrassed you more than it angered me...
Having "adult" conversations with them is actually pretty cool.
Once I got old enough to hold real conversations, a whole new world opened up.
The distance makes us closer.
The fact that I'm not living under the same roof as you guys makes me realize how much I miss hanging out with you. Thank God for FaceTime!
Their home cooked meals are nothing to mess with.
Bring on the extra cheesy lasagna and fresh chocolate chip cookies!
Even though they couldn't ever figure out how to help me with my math homework, they made up for it when they taught me how to be a good person.
I don't even mean saying "please" and "thank you" all the time, but respecting everyone and finding the good in others is so important. Besides, who needs algebra anyway?
They always knew what was best for me and they always will.
Simple as that.
Shout out to my best friends, my rocks, my life savers. I love ya, Mom and Dad!
