So Grateful

Today while at Dad and Mom's I began going through some old pictures and I came across my parents wedding pictures. Mom and I were having fun laughing at the different styles and how much people have changed. I begin to watch my mom looking at her wedding pictures with a smile on her face and love in her eyes. Yes, the hair styles have come and gone, and those funny looking dresses are not in style, but one thing has not changed, her love for my dad even after thirty three years!

Growing up I had a wonderful family. I came home everyday to the same house. I hugged both my dad and mom every night before bed. I knew what time dinner was and that it was mandatory that we were all there. We did things as a family and family came first. Both of my parents attended all of my sporting events, assembly's and graduations together. They sat together and held hands and celebrated in the great job they did in raising their kids. What my Dad believed, my mom did also. We went to church together and prayed together. We were a family! I had one room and all of my stuff was there. I saw my best friends on my street every day and knew who would be picking me up from school each afternoon.

Growing up I didnt really see how much that would mean to me until I became a mother, a mother of children who do not have the luxury that I had. Children who's normal is going back and forth beteween homes. Children who will always have to bring home two report cards for two diffrent houselholds. Children who will find themselves questioniong the diffrence in parenting and lifestyles in each home. Kids who will share monumental events in their lives with two separate families hoping they did not offend someone or leave anyone out. Kids who will insead of a hug and a kiss goodnight, will learn to accept the text or phone call. It's become a norm for to many children!

It's heartbreaking and in many cases unnecessary! When I think back my parents lives were not stress free. They had diffences and trials and failures. They were not exempt from many frustrations married couples experience, but they never gave up. They beat the odds and today I am more thankful then they could ever know!!

Dad and Mom, thank you so much for thinking of Josh and I and putting our family first. You were not selfish and you sacrificed so much! I am so very lucly to have you both and the life that you so willingly gave me! I love you !!!!!!!