Every year after Thanksgiving, I find myself reevaluating a new aspect of my life. I’m not an expert of any sort, but I find myself seeking something new that I want to share with people. There’s a million and one lessons I’ve learned throughout my 23 years of life, but one lesson that always seems to stick to me, and the one that I try my best to remind everyone around me about, is one about our parents. Our parents are such great blessings in our lives. I am so grateful to have known, and to still know, such great people that I can call my parents. Of course, I wish I could sometimes go back in time and change certain things in my life, but what I can still do is remind the people around me about how important it is to forgive and love our parents.
What was just a couple of years ago feels like a life time ago for me. I find it difficult to think back and process that my childhood was even real, that I really saw the things I did, that I really went through what I did. I almost wish I could turn it into a movie just so I never forget. I watched my handsome dad lose all his hair and turn into someone I no longer recognized which, in a way, turned into a fear of some sort. I wish I could change it and the change the way I felt but I was just too young to understand.
It’s hard knowing someone was such an important part of your life when you can’t remember the main details about them. I am all about the details, and I collect memories like my life depends on it. Not having the same with my own dad is something that bothers me every day. I can’t even begin to imagine what his voice must sound like. I don’t see myself getting jealous of people, other than the people who hold stories for me about him, the stories I love to hear. What I’m trying to say is, this is our time to create these memories.
Not everyone is on the same boat, but some of us let the little things cloud our love, and it’s really not worth it in the end. It’s not only the little things that cause conflict, but more or less, not prioritizing our parents, not reminding them we love them, and not listening to them when they want to share stories. Don’t find yourself lying about the little things, because I’ve come to realize they can be so understanding when you need it most. When you wake up one day and the other person is suffering to breathe and fails to take another breath is not when you want to come to these realizations.
It’s easier said than done, and some things are irreparable. But for the things that are, and for the people that are, please try. For yourself, and for your future self.