This week I feel like paying tribute to two people who have provided me with an exceptional life and loved me unconditionally: my parents.
Growing up as an only child I was around my parents a lot. I did nearly everything with them. Instead of going shopping with a big sister, I went with my mom. I climbed trees and slid down the stairs on cardboard not with a little brother but with my dad. The relationship I have with my parents is something I will cherish forever. I owe a great majority of who I am as a person to my mom and dad. They have succeeded in providing me with amazing opportunities throughout my life that have all contributed to shaping my character.
MY DAD
It all started with a father-daughter bowling league and Indian Princesses, to being my volleyball coach and finally being the one person to make me cry while dropping me off at college. I seriously thought it was going to be my mom! I mean she and I are like two peas in a pod! But nope, it was my Daddio. Shocker. My dad is hands down the greatest man I know. He treats my mom and I with nothing short of respect and love. I know he would do anything for us. The husband he is to my mom makes me hopeful that I will find a man like him one day, who will take care of me just like he takes care of my mom. When I look back on the last 20 years, one lesson that my dad taught me sticks out in particular: going outside your comfort zone. This was something I heard (and still hear!) my dad say a lot. Maybe he's referencing a roller coaster that looked a little to high for me, or trying a new food, or even picking a college, but his advice always had a consistent little piece: go outside your comfort zone. He tells me this because life isn't always going to be comfortable. It will get messy and weird at times. But going outside your comfort zone prepares you for the change that is inevitably coming.
MY MOM
Boy is she something. I mean that in the best way possible. Her upbringing was rough, to say the least, and yet she fought through it and became the woman she is today. I don't think I will ever meet someone as strong as she is. My mom has taught me many things and has been there for me whenever I need her...which is a lot. The lesson that sticks out to me the most when I think about my mom is how she has taught me to be selfless. She puts everyone else before her and does things for people just because. For example she recently sent my roommates and I each little halloween presents just because. Did we ask her to? Nope. She did it to make my roommates feel cared for and thought about. That's just one tiny example in an ocean full. My mom does countless things for people on a daily basis. This stands out to me because it is very rare to find someone like that. A solid majority of people nowadays are selfish and only think of themselves. I can think of a few off the top of my head. But my mom, despite being put through hell and back for years, focuses on others. I hope I can be as selfless, thoughtful and caring as she is one day. She is the perfect role model.
Family is a special thing. It may not always be easy to keep together. It may not always be smooth sailing. It may not always be fun. But it most definitely is special. Cherish your family members and appreciate their tokens of advice when they give it to you. I promise they are priceless.
