Day {Eighteen}

Day 18 A letter to your parents

Dear Mom & Dad,


Thank you for giving me a “normal childhood.” I don’t feel scarred or misdirected in life and judging by some of the parenting I have seen, I think that is a huge accomplishment.


Thank you for getting text messaging. People get all defensive about how texting is ruining our ability to communicate. I think we have probably communicated more in the last couple of months than we have since I moved out and I know you have texted Sean more than you have talked to him on the phone. You may not have done it purposefully but texting is our primary form of communication. Without it, that was a real barrier so thank you for getting it. I don’t always feel like I can call you but I know I can always text you.


Thank you for not disowning me when I quit college.


Thank you for showing me how to love others and how family should be treated. That phrase, you better be nice to me – I’m the one that will pick out your nursing home, will hopefully never apply. You have taught me the importance of treating others the way you want to be treated, and not as an incentive to get others to be nice to you but because it’s just the right thing to do. I cannot imagine the difficulties of taking care of your mother-in-law. My mother-in-law and I get along just fine but I cannot imagine the patience and immense love for another that it takes to bite your tongue so frequently in your own home. That said, Dad, I know it’s fun to antagonize the old lady but let her just be grumpy some days. Think about how much fun I’m going to have with you when you are 90. I will just be that blessed to have you around for that long.


Thank you for showing me a marriage that God has enriched. More of our friends have separated than gotten married since we got married a year and a half ago. My biggest fear is a failed marriage. I am so very proud to call you my parents. It also makes Christmas about a thousand and a half times easier only having one family Christmas to attend than multiples. That said, because we do have to attend so many different family Christmases on Sean's side, you never once have gotten jealous of the time we spend with that side of the family. I get jealous all of the time so your patience makes me feel better. Thank you for showing me the attributes that I don’t want incorporate into my marriage, too. Dad, you’ve told me on more than once, “Now, don’t do what I would’ve done. Have patience.” The good far outweighs the bad though.


Thank you for showing me how to work hard and to appreciate a full day of work as opposed to a day spent idle. I am proud of my work ethic; it could be much worse.


Thank you for never letting good be enough.


Thank you for giving me a Christ-centered childhood. I may not always have a strong foothold but I have a solid foundation.


Love,
Your favorite child