I’ve been thinking a great deal about my parents lately. No, nothing major is going on with them. They are fine and relatively healthy. I’m very grateful for this, and very, very grateful for all they do for me and for my family. They are involved in our lives in a way that is so supportive, and yet not controlling or meddling.
Here are just a few ways they help us on a regular basis:
Mom knits socks, hats, and sweaters for my kids constantly.
Mom hems pants and sews pants and shorts for my kids.
Mom repairs just about any clothing item I take her.
Mom is still teaching me how to do things like knitting and sewing, and she gives generously of her time. She also fixes/helps me fix my mistakes.
Dad and Mom buy gifts and clothing for the boys, and dinners for the whole family.
They each take Lucas to school one morning a week: Monday and Thursday.
They babysit when we have dates, or things to do with friends, or even if we just have to work.
Dad picks Lucas up from school once in a while and hangs out with him in the afternoon.
Dad finds projects to do with Lucas, like building toys, working with wood, etc. He even let Lucas help build his garage.
Mom sews with Lucas and teaches him to knit.
They take us on family vacations to Hawaii every few years and pay for most of the trip.
Mom gave Ian her old car and he’s been driving it for something like six years now, maybe more.
They invest money in college funds for my boys!
Mom donates things she has made to Lucas’s school fundraisers.
They listen to us, treat us with respect, and don’t overcrowd.
We have fun together.
It’s been a long time since we had to ask them for money, but I know they would help us if we needed help.
Best of all is that my parents have become my friends, in a way. I’m still their daughter and they still have an interest in my well-being, of course. But there are times when I want nothing more than to just hang out with them. Wow.
