They've always been my best supporters and cheerleaders—and even though I don't do much to merit their praise—it's nice to know that they think I'm the greatest. Talk to them for five minutes about me, and you will be convinced that I'm the coolest thing since the invention of the light bulb. (Their other children are equally awesome and get the same overwhelming encouragement.) I remember once when I won a school election, I came home late at night to a huge sign posted on the garage door that read, "Congrats Erin! .....".
A few years later, after spending months in Hawaii, I came home to a ginormous "Welcome Home Erin" sign. With the scheming of my mom, Matt—boyfriend at the time—made a surprise visit that night and the sign turned into "Welcome Home Erin and Matt!" (That, I admit, was a little embarrassing. But that's what parents are for, right?)Words can't eloquently describe my dad. He is funny and humble and good-natured and undoubtedly loves his family.
When Matt asked my dad if he could marry me, my dad said something like, "I don't know. She is very precious to me." Matt wasn't on the hot seat for long, though. Dad quickly gave his blessing.A few years ago I was driving with my dad, and he talked to me about my mom and said that he wondered how he ever got so lucky. It may have been the sweetest thing I've ever heard.
One thing I love and appreciate about my parents it that they really make efforts to stay connected with us even though we live far away. They call, Web cam, and occasionally send packages and make the long trek to Iowa to visit us. They even print out every single blog post and keep them in a book! Skylie has recently begun pointing out pictures of my mom and saying "Grandma", and it makes me happy that Skylie knows her grandparents even though distance separates us.
Only as I've gotten older, have I started to realize the many sacrifices my parents have made for me. They've given up a lot for me, and for that I am truly thankful.
2 comments:
You're parents are so awesome. When I married Allen, they treated my like I had always been one of their nieces. I especailly miss seeing them around the holidays. We always had a great time visiting them!
Your parents are awesome people. I love when I run into your mom in the grocey store or around town...she always has a smile on her face.
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