Things My Parents Taught Me

I've been doing a lot of reflecting lately and since today is my parents anniversary, I wanted to write it all out. 

My parents are a lot of things - all good of course - but the one thing they're best at is teaching. They may not always know it or mean to use it as a teaching moment, but I will always listen. That being said, I wanted to share some of my favorite things my parents have taught me. 

Take a selfie in every situation - even if you're the only one looking! My Dad always feels like he's behind the scenes and never in any pictures. Because of that, he just takes it upon himself to selfie and have documentation that he was at the event. I think this is the reason I'm always taking pictures as well. I've seen him documenting my whole life. For example, when video cameras first came out, my Dad woke us kids up in the morning while recording. He documented our whole days and I can't thank him enough for that. 

When I got divorced, there were lots of household issues that I had come up. My parents were and are always my first call. My favorite thing my Dad taught me was how to fix the garbage disposal with an allen wrench. Who knew there was a spot on the bottom of the disposal that sometimes needs to be clicked over? I sure didn't! It seems simple but I'm grateful for it. Not to mention the countless things he and my mom have taught my boys! 

Every person makes mistakes in life - big, small, life changing - but that doesn't mean they are a bad person or parent. They're just human beings. Luckily, my parents have shown me that regardless of the choices we make in life, that doesn't define us forever. I've seen my parents make mistakes, but guess what? They are still amazing people! I know I've made countless mistakes and bad choices, but my kids will always be my first and foremost priority. They taught me about family first.

Ever since I was a teenager, my parents told me - "if you want to have certain things, you have to do the work." From that day forward, I bought my first brand new car, paid the insurance and TRIED not to ask my parents for help. I try to teach my boys this as well. It's not a world full of giving - you have to contribute as well. 

If anyone has shown me how to be a fighter and survive all the obstacles life throws at you, it's 100% my parents. Their spirit and their faith have steered them through some hard times for sure. I only hope that I can better learn to lean on my faith more in the future to help me better get through things. Those that know my family, know some of us have been through the ringer the last few years. Yet here we are still standing. 

So there you have it, some of my favorite things my parents have taught me. I will be forever grateful for all they do and have done and everything they still have to teach me. 

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! We love you!