I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for my parents. I know people throw that cliche around all the time, but boy do I mean it. I have the most supportive, encouraging, brutally honest, and tough loving parents. They taught me many things, the most important being to stand up for myself and go after whatever crazy dreams I have.
All power to my mom and dad for raising my two brothers and I. We are close in age and had no problem smacking each other around growing up. While it was all play, I can’t even count how many times we had to sit on opposite couches and just stare at each other as a punishment. Nonetheless, even in these circumstances, my parents taught us how to pay for our actions and even get along better through the years of childhood. My parents always put us in our place, but always brought us in for a hug. I know I am close with my brothers because my parents gave us the playful dynamic, let us duke it out, but then taught us to forgive.
While I’ve always known that I won the parent lottery, it has been especially evident during my college career. The moment my parents dropped me off at Millersville and my mom left crying, I knew I was crazy loved. These years have allowed me to reflect on a few life lessons my parents have taught me.
If you know my mom, you know she goes with the flow. She has always told me to let it go and or let it roll over. If you know me, you know I am the opposite. When things didn’t go my way at school or I was having trouble with roommates and friends, she always reminded me to handle what I can control and to let go of the rest. My mom reminded me that I don’t need to carry everything on my shoulders and to let it be. I am forever grateful for this lesson. Thank you mom!!
A crisis that I have, and I’m sure 99% of all other students have in college, is spending money that I literally don’t have. Just the other day I was sitting with my dad talking about going out to eat, vacations I have planned, and going out on the weekends. In my last semester, I don’t want to say no to anything, but I also know that I am actively draining my bank account. My dad told me some stories of his childhood and reminded me that life is short. I have my whole life to work full-time and make money, but at least for the next 70 some days, I am a student in college having fun. My dad told me that even if money is tight, I will never regret going on an adventure and making memories. I know I am so blessed to have watched him raise us on making core memories together and having fun as a family. Thank you dad!
While I could literally list a thousand things my parents have taught me that I am thankful for, these are my favorite ones that I think about often. I truly have the best.
HCXO, Laura