What My Parents Did Right
I just got off of the phone with my Mom. She’s fun to talk to. Anyway, it got me thinking. My parents did a lot right with me. The older I get, the more that I realize how fortunate I am to have been raised by them. What exactly was it that they did so right?
They raised a daughter that expects to be loved.
I have been loved ever since I was born. I have never doubted the fact that my parents love me. I remember my father bringing me an orchid on Easter, as well as for my sister and my mom. It was expected, and he always came through. On my 18th birthday, my dad gave me roses. Every night my parents said goodnight to me and hugged and kissed me goodnight. It was a matter of fact that they would. I always knew that they were there for me, and they still are. The first time I started to realize how lucky I was, they were dropping me off at my new dorm room in college. My dad hugged me and picked me up in his hug. I was self conscious. Two girls were in my room, one my roommate and another student. When my parents left to go home, both girls said that they wished their dad hugged them. It made me think. Because of their love, I expect love, and, I think, find it easier perhaps to love in return.
They raised a daughter that knows she is special.I read a lot about women who don’t think much of themselves. I have always felt different, but not in a bad way. Not that it’s easy, but it’s ok. My mother has told me the story of why I was born, and why I have the name Lisa Jo. I’ll never get tired of hearing it, because it tells me that I was anticipated, and born for a reason. (Maybe I’ll put the story in another post).
They raised a daughter who has always been sure there is a loving God.
I have never had to search for God, I’ve always known that He is here with me; He loves me, and will protect me. My mother first taught me that, and my Dad followed by the time I was 10 years old. They made sure that I was surrounded by teachers and leaders who taught me the truth, and showed me by example what it is to trust Him completely.
They raised a daughter who knows she can make mistakes.
Not that I want to. I absolutely hate making mistakes. They always let me know that its ok, they still love me, and I can learn from it.
No matter what you might have to tell others, Dad once told me,
tell yourself the truth. So I try. The forgiveness is what makes me want to be even better, that’s the nice irony of it.
They taught me what’s important, and what is not.Working hard, but taking time to laugh. Learning is never ever over, there’s always more to learn. Silliness is good, even if it’s throwing peas at each other across the table. Libraries are the best place in the city sometimes. Notice beauty: look at the art, listen to the music, and just sitting and looking at the trees or the water is ok sometimes too. Take care of people: I can't remember all of the people who stayed in our house, missionaries, an expectant woman, Joann, all people who needed a place to stay, so my Mom took care of them. People hurt: everyone has something that hurts them, and none of us is more important than the other. Take care of yourself: Mom is happy when I'm swimming, she says I work too much. Dad is happy when I sound happy.
I am rich beyond measure, as they say, because of my parents. I’m sure I haven’t told them enough.
http://www.darecountyschoolsonline.com/moxie/districtnews/dare-county-schools-announces-new-assistant-princi.shtml
