Perfect Parents

Dad...I know you said it jokingly in the email about a blog about the best parents, but its true. You are both supportive and always there for me when I need a shoulder, a study buddy, money ;) and a friend.

Here is the truth about my parents. They are not perfect, but they don't try to be. They are not always on my side, which in truth meant they really were looking out for me. They mean well when they lecture me, just trying to prevent me from making a mistake. A mistake I usually make anyways. They have instilled in me things that I think are important - love of family, trust in myself, money helps but isn't going to solve problems, running away solves nothing - face things head on, take the emotion out of important decisions (still working on that one), education is the only thing that will get you where you want to be, above all see the silver lining in all things - good and bad.

My Dad is my "educator" and my "banker". He helps me to study and pushes me harder than anyone else does. He encourages me to be my best and that my best doesn't always mean an "A" in the class. He helps me out financially, both in paying bills, and teaching me how to be more responsible with money - in a much less annoying way than my little brother who I will never understand how he learned so much about money.

My favorite memory of my Dad is when I was a little girl and had a hell of a temper. He brought me into the kitchen, made me watch water boil in a glass in the microwave, then touch the glass (quickly - no child abuse involved ha ha) and went on to tell me that my temper was like that boiling water - it hurts the people around it. I will never forget it. I don't know that it really helped my temper, but its a memory that still makes me laugh. Who else but Dad would come up with something like that?

My Mom is my "emotional rock" and my "go-to girl". She is there for me when I am falling apart. I can tell her anything, and she tries to be there for me. Sometimes that means telling me I am wrong or pointing out that I could have handled something better. I may hate her at the time for not just saying, "You are right, you are wonderful, how dare someone hurt my baby" ha ha. In the end though, I respect her for making me take a second look at my actions. She is my "go-to girl" because anything you need to find something - clothes, furniture, or whatever - she knows where to go to get it and cheap! She is also the one who always took care of me when I was sick (and I was sick a lot as a kid). She had a lot on her plate, but she still took excellent care of me.

My favorite memory of Mom was when I was little and we had a circus themed birthday party. She went all out. She put on her old drum majorette uniform from high school (yes she could still wear it - bitch Ha ha) and was the announcer for all the events - "tight rope walking" "ring of fire" etc...where she comes up with this stuff I will never know, but we could always count on Mom for a creative and fun time :)

Dad & Mom - I love you both more than you know and I am glad that I am finally achieving what you thought I could. I wouldn't be where I am now if not for you. Thank you.