They say it takes a village to raise a child.
Then, it must have taken a city to raise triplets.
But, my parents and relatives did a damn good job (There's no other way to say it).
The love I have been raised with and seen between my parents has made me realize what I am worthy of in life. It has shown me that I don't deserve to settle in a relationship or anything else. That I should work toward my own goals, but find someone who encourages me along the way. That life is too short not to laugh at the little things. That I can do anything I set my mind too.
And that love is always there for me, no matter what. And that's what love should be. That's what love is.
Even though I go to school far away, my dad is always sure to bring me out to lunch when I visit home. He knows my Starbucks order and watches the Bachelor with me (not sure if that's because he's being nice or it's an excuse to watch his guilty pleasure). He even called my boyfriend before we went on our first date to make sure he had good intentions (and scared him a bit).
I'm not spoiled in an entitled way, but my dad has managed shown me what I'm worth. He has set the bar for a future husband pretty high. Dad, thank you for always pursuing my happiness above all else. I got those chubby cheeks from you for a reason.
My mom has shown me the importance of pursuing your own interests and passion. It is not bad to be a strong woman who can rely on herself. In fact, it's essential. She has taught me that you must first find worth in yourself before looking to someone else for it. That you are the creator of your own future.
Whenever I am home, we always try creative activities together like yoga, painting, and cooking new recipes. Although I do not yet have the strength my mom has, I hope to be at least half the woman and mother she is one day. I mean she raised 3 amazing girls at once and made it look easy. Whenever I couldn't finish a 5K when I was younger, she would always piggyback me to the finish. Mom, I know you will always be there to carry me when I'm too tired myself.
It is fair to say that my parents have set the bar for love pretty high. It's not in an entitled way--that should be the standard for everyone.
Because we are all worthy of that type of unconditional love. It's not an unrealistic type of love.
It's one that says, "You are more than just okay, you are special. Even though I may mess up, I will never stop pursuing you or loving you. I will bear the trials and triumphs of life with you. I will always be here, waiting for you to come home."
To the guy who loved me second, you got some big shoes to fill babe.
