A Month of Thanks; My Parents

I was a surprise baby.  My parents were told that they wouldn't be able to have children.  Then my mom got sick.  She wasn't feeling good for a while so they went to the doctor.  They ran some tests and then brought my mom in.  Dad was with her.  The doctor told her that she would be fine in about 7 months.  Dad asked "Why, is she going to die?"  The doctor smiled and said no, that she was going to have a baby.  To say that they were excited is an understatement.  I was supposed to be a boy, named after my father.  I surprised them by being a girl.  They didn't have name but came up with one quickly.

We didn't always have a lot of money while I was growing up.  Dad worked two jobs for awhile; mom did too.  We lived in a nice town with great schools.  I had extended family near by, including a cousin 3 years older than me.  Our families often vacationed together; I have wonderful memories of Disney World, a road trip to Arkansas and many, many summers camping.  

Christmas Eve 2006

My dad is a cancer survivor.  The first time he was diagnosed I was 9 and in third grade.  The second time I was 12 and in 7th grade.  I don't remember much from the first time but the second time around I was much more aware of what was going on.  I was aware that I could lose my dad.  The biggest change in my life was the fact that we would visit my dad in the hospital daily for a few hours.  Other than that I still got to hang out with my friends, do my homework and was your normal teenage girl.  My mom held us together.  She was working a full time high stress job, taking care of me and driving 30-40 minutes (one way) into Boston everyday to see dad.  She did it for months while dad went through surgery, chemo and radiation to fight his cancer.  Thankfully he survived though he is dealing with side affects such as diabetes.  He's a miracle at being a 16 year pancreatic survivor.  Mom has been amazing with how she has managed to juggle, deal and prevail through the hard times.

With my parents, 2009

Dad likes to tell me that no matter how old I get I'll still be his little girl.  He loves me and tells me often.  He also shows his love by acts of service.  He would fill my gas tank, get my oil changed and do other things for me when I lived at home.  When I was in college and my car battery died he was ready to jump in the car and bring me a new one even though I was 3 1/2 hours away.  We thought mom was going to have a hard time leaving me at college and it was dad who cried.  He is an amazing cook and because he was always home first was the one to get dinner on the table.  He loves to make my favorite dishes, like homemade mac & cheese with tomatoes, beef stew and grilled steaks.  I like to tease him and say he's older than dirt.  I love my daddy and am looking forward to our cross country drive.

Dad enjoying some clam chowder

Mom worked hard for years.  She still does.  I haven't told her thank you enough.  Mom, Thank you!  One of the nice things about being an adult is that I get to not only be my mom's daughter but her friend as well.  We have a great time together.  Shopping, mani/pedis, quilting, we always have a great time.  She gives great advice and though I always listen to what she has to say I don't always follow it.  Her love language is gifts and it's not unusual for me to get a package from her.  Quilting supplies, clothes, books...she knows what I enjoy.  She would be much happier if we were closer but thank goodness for Skype!

With mom atop the Space Needle, 2009

There were times my parents fought and could hear them upstairs in my room.  I wondered if they would divorce.  They didn't and have kept their vows for better or for worse for 32 years.

Thanks Mom & Dad for 30 years of love, support and advice.  I'm so glad God gave me you as parents.  I have been blessed!