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Today is my birthday, and it has me thinking about the important role models that I have had throughout my life. Our first teachers in life are our parents. My mom and dad have taught me many key lessons in life. As parents they played an active role in my upbringing, and as a parent I know how exhausting that can be. But as role models they have taught me by example, I have learned from them by merely watching how they live their lives.
My mom has taught me how to find the beauty in life and to carry myself with grace. Loss is hard, and at times life can be very challenging. But life is full of beauty and when you can sit and observe, you will find all that is beautiful. My mom is an artist. So perhaps this comes naturally to her – but I think it is a perspective that she has cultivated over the years. My mom never complains. She is always ready to share a smile. Ready to build a fort with the grandkids. She is always ready to bring both calm and fun to a room. With my mom there is always room for more love. She truly believes that all things are possible with love. My mom has taught me that life is beautiful.
My dad has taught me to work hard and to keep faith a center part of my life. My dad has always been one of the hardest working persons I have ever known. My dad traveled long hours to work, working even longer days, and for years, seven days a week. He is a man that has worked hard to provide for his family. My dad is a man that can’t sit still. When he comes to visit he starts helping around the house, cleaning my garage, cleaning the yard, and brings us all coffee and donuts after his daily visit to church for mass. My dad taught me how to run a business when I was 12 – teaching me how to keep the accounting books. He gave me my sense of entrepreneurship.
Parenting is hard, physically, mentally, and emotionally. I do not want to discount all of those years my parents worked to raise me. They taught me many important lessons. Some of my dad’s favorite sayings to me were, “Keep your nose to the grindstone,” and “ If you want to dance, you need to pay the fiddler.” But as an adult I have learned so much from them by watching how they live. I know how lucky I am that at my age I still have both my mom and dad to call when I need advice, comfort, support, or just their friendship. They have always been there for me. I know how lucky I am that next Saturday we get to have lunch together in San Francisco. I know that they will be holding hands as they walk along the wharf looking out for each other. My parents have taught me how to live life to the fullest, how to work hard, to trust in God, the importance of family and friends, and how to love. Thank you Mom and Dad! You are the best. I love you!
And of course to always have fun ~ My dad asking for a recall…
A table full of family. |
