Let me tell you about my parents. I have a father who drove for five hours to come visit me and then promptly went to weed my flower garden. I have a mother who came into town to spend time with us only to spend her time mothering four other children as well. A father who played in the pool with my daughter while I was too nauseous to move. A mother who made dinner and fun desserts while I rested. A father who cleaned the litter box while I had a temperature over 100 degrees. A mother who got down on the floor and played while I read to the other children. A father who installed a cat door while I took a nap. A mother who drove my car around while I was too sick to drive. A father who babysat fifteen children, so I and the other women could attend a church meeting without interruptions. And I would be remiss to not mention a mother-in-law who knew I was at the park and just showed up and then left with Jill, so Jill could nap while I was at the doctor's office.
I have parents who time and time again have showed me through their actions and words that the title they cherish above all others is "parent." I have parents who have been my refuge, my sustenance, my shelter. A mother who knew when I could be left alone, because it was "just a phase." A father who showed me that he would do anything to be where I needed him. A mother who knew when I definitely could not be left alone, because I was not going to snap out of it on my own. Parents to whom I owe everything.
I strive to be that kind of parent, so Jill and our future children will be blessed like I was.
Postscript—A comment on my week: I had the opportunity to babysit four children, two cats, and a house this week. Unfortunately, I ended up getting the flu, and that pretty much wiped me out. Amidst the fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, I was of little use. My parents drove down from Detroit and pretty much saved me. Luckily, none of the kids nor my parents got sick. Sadly, my mother-in-law and brother-in-law did. I can only presume it was from when Jill napped at their house.
I have parents who time and time again have showed me through their actions and words that the title they cherish above all others is "parent." I have parents who have been my refuge, my sustenance, my shelter. A mother who knew when I could be left alone, because it was "just a phase." A father who showed me that he would do anything to be where I needed him. A mother who knew when I definitely could not be left alone, because I was not going to snap out of it on my own. Parents to whom I owe everything.
I strive to be that kind of parent, so Jill and our future children will be blessed like I was.
Postscript—A comment on my week: I had the opportunity to babysit four children, two cats, and a house this week. Unfortunately, I ended up getting the flu, and that pretty much wiped me out. Amidst the fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, I was of little use. My parents drove down from Detroit and pretty much saved me. Luckily, none of the kids nor my parents got sick. Sadly, my mother-in-law and brother-in-law did. I can only presume it was from when Jill napped at their house.
Wow! and I thought I had a rough week! I am so happy your parents were there to help. Sometimes real life just kicks your butt and it's good to know you have people you can count on. Are you feeling better?
ReplyDeleteI am in total agreement--your parents are AWESOME, and I love them, too. (I love my parents, of course, but we're talking about your parents, here.)
ReplyDeleteGive them a big hug from me next time you see them!
Glad you're feeling better, too!
It's true, we have wicked awesome parents. As they are both outside right now weeding MY yard, and I'm not even sick... I guess I better go help outside.
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel better soon, and that the similarities to last time end with the tongue. I think you know what I mean.
Our recent adventures in the backyard (have you seen my latest post?) have made me sooo grateful to have them here right now, too. How do they always know when we need them most?
ReplyDeleteLove those guys.
you truly do have awesome parents. i hope that you are feeling better!
ReplyDeletei agree your parents sound amazing! not all parents are like that you know. i totally grew up thinking all parents were totally awesome cuz mine are too. little did i know... better not mention any names but... even though OUR parents are awesome... just know that NOT ALL PARENTS ARE so we should consider ourselves very lucky :)
ReplyDeletespeaking of awesome parents... my mom is feeling so bad that she won't be here when the baby is born (she is a school teacher and that is her 1st week of school) that she is sending my sister out when i have the baby for a week! then my mom and dad will come out at the end of september for a week to bless the baby. and in the meantime my grandmother is coming out for 3 weeks because they know i will need help! hopefully i am that awesome of a parent/sister/grandparent someday
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