The Parentals

Today is the day I talk about my parents. 

My parents have been hard on me. 

They have pushed me to my limits. 

They have spanked me. 

They have yelled at me. 

They have great expectations of me, and sometimes it's a lot of pressure. 

But they gave me life.

They have given words of encouragement.

They cleaned up after me and put up with me when I was little.

They also currently put up with me when I behave like a brat and refuse to listen.

They work hard for me to have a bright future.

They are patient with me when I make mistakes.

They listen to me, even when I call three times a day. 

I used to think that any time they scolded me or told me that I was doing something wrong it was because they were being hard or judgmental or just annoying. But now, I realize that anytime they tell me something it's because they want to help me be my best self. They truly want what's best for me. And I know that I will still make a lot of mistakes in my life, and I know that we won't always agree in the way to do things. But knowing that they will be there for me in one way or another helps me to know that things will be ok. 

I love when my parents write me letters. They have written me letters for as long as I remember. From the poem my daddy wrote to me when I was baptized, to the note my mom wrote in the last package she sent, those notes and words of love and wisdom have carried me through the hard times.

My mom is cool. Sometimes, she calls me Ma Petite. And I like it. She makes the best food ever. And I love that sometimes I don't have to say anything and she knows how I feel. 

My dad is cool. He's the funniest person ever. His dreams for me are bigger than my dreams for myself. He has so much confidence in me.

My parent's lessons and example have made me the person I am today. I am grateful that because of them, I can stand on my own and know that someone will always be there to catch me if I fall.

My parents are just the best. That's all.