They are the people you see when you first come into the world. They have the names you first learn to say when you learn to speak. They are the ones who give you love and support when you need it the most. They are your parents. Your parents decided they wanted to share the love they have for each other with another special human being, so they decided to have you.
Parents are there to provide protection and a feeling of constant security for their children. They are there to keep you safe from the monsters underneath your bed, from the bullies you may face at school, and from harsh realities of becoming an adult like filing your taxes, at least for as long as they can. Your parents may not be able to hold your hand for forever, but they will still offer it in times when you need it the most. You will always be their baby that was once afraid of monsters under the bed or the bullies at school, so your parents will always want to protect you.
That first time you fall off the bike and scrape your knee, your parents are right there with a band-aid and a hug. That time when you became sick from the flu, your parents were there with a bowl of soup and medicine to make you feel better. Nothing is more terrifying for a parent to see than their child struggling with an issue that burdens them or when their child is sick or injured. No matter how old or mature you may become, you will forever be that little precious, defenseless baby who filled their eyes with tears of joy upon first meeting.
As difficult as it may be to comprehend, our parents are normal people just like us. We do not fully understand this until both we and they have become older. As children, we like to think of our parents as the people who took care of us, who were there for us, and who raised us. We do not usually see our mothers and fathers as the two people who fell in love, got married, and decided to have children. However, realizing that your parents are also just people is not a bad thing or ends the relationship you have had with them up until this point. If anything, this realization allows your relationship between you and your parents to evolve. Now, instead of just parent and child, you have the opportunity to become good friends that can share in all aspects of life. You do not have to worry about censoring yourself or putting on the child mask in front of your parents.
The relationship you have with your parents is one of the most important ones you will ever have in your life. It is one that will experience both positive and negative changes. It is one that will, unfortunately, have to come to an end as the days go on and the years pass. It is an unfortunate reality, but one that is unavoidable. So, in order to make the most of this valuable relationship while you still have it, take the time to make time for your parents. I know that they may be trying on your nerves at times, but they are the only parents you will ever have. Call them, spend time with them, learn from them, and cherish them because the time you spend with your parents is worth more than anything in the whole world.
