Parents

What would you say to your parents if you had a chance to thank them for what they have done for you? If you have children of your own, you realize some of the struggles that they experienced. Have you ever thanked them? I wrote a letter to my father when he first became ill to thank him for everything but for some reason I did not send it and he died several weeks later. I also never told my mother how much I appreciated what she had done for me. If I had another chance to speak to them, this is what I would say thank you for:

• For giving me what I needed and not necessarily everything I wanted.

• For making Christmas magical.

• For all the Halloween parties in our spooky cellar with the bowls of slimy spaghetti and peeled grapes.

• For working two jobs so that I could go to a good school.

• For teaching me the meaning of hard work.

• For loving me unconditionally and believing that the other person was always wrong and I was always right.

• For telling me what you really thought about my boyfriends and understanding when I didn’t listen.

• For protecting me.

• For teaching me spirituality even when I didn’t think it was something that I wanted or needed.

• For being amazing role models.

• For encouraging my passion for reading.

• For not thinking I was stupid because I just didn’t get Geometry.

• For taking my husband into the family as if he was your son.

• For telling me to take the risk of starting a business even though you were as nervous about it as I was.

• For spoiling my children.

• For teaching me the importance of family.

• For telling me (continually) to slow down. I think I’m finally catching on to the

• importance of that.

• For not yelling at me the night I came in at 3 a.m.

• For spending time with me.

• For coming to watch my games even when it scared mom to watch the lacrosse games.

• For thinking that if I knew we had to choose between Dad’s cancer treatment and a nice private college for me, that I should choose the college. (I didn’t.)

• For giving me the opportunity to fly and to choose the direction.

• For making me feel that home was always there waiting for me.

• For teaching me manners and respect.

• For a house full of laughter and love.

What would you add to your own list? Make your list and if your parents are still alive send it to them. They deserve a thank you. If your parents have passed, make the list any ways and use it as a chance to relive some great memories.