Today, I am thankful for my parents! Actually, I'm thankful for them every day, but today I'm giving them a shout-out! It was no easy task raising (and still raising) four children! Three boys, one girl, what a handful! Despite what my dad says about the ratio of 3:1 being right, I am privileged to have been the daughter of Bob and Anita.
My parents have worked hard all their lives to be the example for the four of us. They're not perfect but they have done nothing but show us love, through our mistakes and theirs. My brothers and I definitely had our fair share of accidents (evident in scars and such from over the years!) and gave our parents many gray hairs (hehe) but there was never a day we doubted their love for us. My parents have sacrificed lots of time, money, and so much for us kids so we could have the things we needed and many of things we wanted. I can't even begin to count the number of hours my mom and dad spent on the sidelines at soccer games or helping us with homework or taking us to events. They have always encouraged in whatever we choose to do, with it is going into theater, culinary arts, fine arts, air force, or divinity school!
My mom and dad have different ways of showing us that they love each one of us, but all 4 of us know without a doubt that we can pick up the phone and Mom and Dad would be there for us if needed. I am extremely grateful for my parents' support. They have always encouraged me in school. They never forced me to do what they wanted me to do, but allowed me to pursue the education I wanted. They will drive 6 hours in one day just to help me move my stuff or just to come have dinner on a Saturday or something. My parents are busy and invested in their church and community, but that doesn't stop them from finding time for their children. As I get older, I realize more and more how precious time is and how much of a gift it is that my parents invest and spend so much time with their children.
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| Homecoming at Campbell in 2008 |
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| Graduation from Campbell in 2010 |
My Mom: I'm especially grateful to my mom and we have a special bond since I'm the only girl! If something is wrong or I don't feel good, she's the one I call. She knows what medicine I need, or who to call to find out. She gets things done! She's always willing to take off work to go with me to go to a doctor's appointment since I am a wimp when it comes to doctors! She's willing to drive three hours for a day or weekend if I'm feeling lonely. I'm thankful that I am not only my mom's daughter but that I can call her a friend too. Don't worry, she's still my mom and still has to remind me what to do sometimes, but I appreciate her and all she does. She has set a wonderful example for me of what a loving mom and person is. My mom helps cares for her parents as well. I've been privileged to have grandparents who are part of my life and see their influence on my mom and their influence on me. My mom not only cares about her family but other people God puts in her path as well. If she has a friend in need, Mom will do what she can to help. I've driven with her to take something to a men's shelter before so a man could have a bus pass to church. My mom has helped teach me what it means to give back to the community and that it is important to care about all people, not just myself and my family.
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| Homecoming at Campbell in 2008 |
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| Graduation from Campbell in 2010 |
My Dad: If I need something fixed, or can't figure something out, my dad is the one I call! My dad will drive an hour and a half just to check on my car to make sure I'm okay and that my car is okay after I've had a little run-in with a bucket. Dad and I share a special love for chocolate and most things sweet! :) Dad will go out of his way to get something done or find something to show he cares. I have several stuffed animal moose to prove that! Dad has a special moose that plays the Jingle Bell Rock at Christmas time (which is my favorite Christmas time!) Dad and I have our special trips, like when we see the hot light on at Krispy Kreme! Dad never fails to have a good joke and can always make me laugh. Dad has always gone the extra mile to support us kids. He has coached many of our soccer teams (he even played with my older brothers), spent many hours reading books and researching topics for whatever our latest adventure was. If we started something new, you can count on Dad to have read something about it in a book or online. Dad has also shown me what a loving husband looks like. He likes do little things for my mom, like bring home flowers, or even big things, like transform our house into a "French restaurant" and my brother and I were the servers for Valentine's day. Dad tries to surprise Mom with lunch every now and then at work, or they have taken dance lessons together too! Four kids and 30-something years later, Mom and Dad are still in love with each other and I am thankful for that. My parents have taught me what love is. It may not always be easy, but it is worth it.
So today, I am thankful for my parents and that no matter where I live, I can always still go "home" and they will take care of me, feed me, and love me! No matter how old I get, I am still their child and I am thankful for that!
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