Without Them, I Wouldn't Know Which Container is Microwaveable

If you've been on Facebook, you've seen the shared article Treat Yourself: An open letter to the Class of 2014. Of course I read it, liked it, and before I knew it, I read every post by that blogger, Meaghan. I quickly learned that Meaghan has quite a way with words, is 22 years old, likes Fireball, recently moved out, and lost her parents very recently. Some posts were funny; others were about her parents and I had to stop myself from tearing up.

Something as natural to me as calling Mom isn't natural to others. Some people don't have Daddy to talk to on a Saturday morning. What would I do without my parents? I wouldn't know what to do when my car wouldn't start last Sunday. I wouldn't know that using a coaster prevents those rings on furniture (not that I always actually use a coaster). I definitely wouldn't know which container is microwaveable. But there's so much more.

Mom,
I wouldn't know how to be a strong woman. Without you, I wouldn't have my #1 role model teaching me how to be independent every day. From you, I know how to hold my head high and to believe in myself. You've taught me how to have goals and how to work towards them. Without you, I wouldn't be able braid my hair or pick the right eyeshadow color.

Dad,
Without you, I wouldn't have any idea of how a man should treat a woman. From watching you, I know not to settle and to marry a man who treats me how you treat Mom. Without you, I wouldn't have a sense of humor or know how to talk with any bizarre accents. You've taught me support and you've taught me hard work. You've taught me the importance of having a good character. Without you, I wouldn't be able to catch a grape with my mouth and I definitely wouldn't be able to pitch a ball.

Parents teach us so much. The older I get, the more I realize it. I see my students who do not all have Mommy and Daddy at home. Every day, I am reminded how lucky I am to have such incredible parents.