Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Because even if the whole world was throwing rocks at you, if you still had your mother or father at your back, you’d be okay. Some deep-rooted part of you would know you were loved. That you deserved to be loved.

This week my parents celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary.

{Fun Fact: Other things that happened 29 years ago
        -Dirty Dancing came out
        -The Simpsons premiered
        -Margaret Thatcher was elected as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for
         the third time
        -The world's population reached five billion.}

Everyone says it, and everyone says it's true when they say it, but my parents are the best parents in the world. I don't care if everyone says it. It's probably as true to them as it is to me. My parents are the best.

Because it's their 29th anniversary and because they're the best parents in the world, I decided to make a list of the most important lessons they've taught me.


You can be whatever you want.
My parents have always been super encouraging and supportive of me. When I was growing up, I wanted to be so many things. Whether I said I wanted to be a dentist, a teacher, or the President of the United States, my parents always told me I could do whatever I put my mind to...with a little hard work.

Work hard.
Things don't always come easy. To get what you want in life, you have to work hard. My parents are some of the hardest workers I know. I don't think my mom has ever used a sick day or even a personal day off from work, and my dad goes to work {outside} rain or shine, snow or sleet.

Take on new adventures.
Especially this year with two trips to NYC, my parents always encourage me to go on new adventures. "It's such a good opportunity, you should take it!" they always say. Even if it scares the crap out of them to let me fly to a huge city on my own, they tell me to have fun.

It's okay to be homesick.
Going off to college and leaving home was one of the hardest things I've ever done. It was difficult to leave my home and family behind. But my parents have taught me over the past two years that it's ok to get homesick. It means you come from a good home and have something to miss. And it means you love your family. I still get homesick, but they're just a phone call away with love and advice.

Have fun!
Some of my favorite moments with my parents are those when we just crack up laughing with each other. Whether we're sitting out on the patio eating dinner or watching a movie together, I love kicking back and just having fun with my parents. And I love making them laugh!

This is just a small way for me to thank my parents for all that they have done for me and taught me. Congratulations on 29 years! Love you!

What kinds of things have you learned from your parents?

Lots of love,
Sarah

Jojo Moyes, "One Plus One"