Parents

I have two incredibly awesome parents. Now, I know that alot of people out there have great parents. So, my statement may not seem that extraordinary. But, I have had people close to me try to make me feel guilty for having a great family. They have tried to make me feel almost ashamed of myself for having grown up with both of my parents still married, living in the same house, without physical abuse or emotional trauma. I'm sorry, but I don't feel guilty about that. However, I am guilty of something else. I'm guilty of not appreciating my parents enough, and more importantly for not expressing my appreciation for them more often.

My parents have done more for me than I probably deserve, even when I didn't treat them with the utmost respect. I can honestly say, that without my parents I would be living in a cardboard box under a bridge somewhere. I have made some really bad choices in the last 18 years; some small, some huge. But each and every time my parents have been there to lift me back up and to offer encouragement. The most important thing that my parents have done for me is that they have allowed me to fail, but have ALWAYS been there to lift me back up again when I do.

It's said that you learn more from your mistakes than you do from your accomplishments. My parents have allowed me to learn things the hard way, but I am a better person because of it. And I know that no matter how badly I fail, my parents will be there to pick me up, dust me off, love me and encourage me to carry on. I hope and pray that I am at least half the parent to my boys that my parents are to me.

Mom and Dad, thank you for all that you have done for me. I love you, even more than you know.