Feeling like everybody in the world should have parents like mine
Wednesday, 4 March, 2009 at 11:43 PM You'd have to spend a lot of time poking around my blog to find too many overly-gushy posts about how much I love the important people in my life. Except for Mr. Pie. Naturally. But hanging up the phone after talking to my parents just now, it hit me quite hard just how much I love these two people. And how much I wish that everybody else could have been brought into the world by such loving people as I was.
This is not the blog post in which I tell you my parents are perfect and that we've never disagreed or disappointed each other. Humans disagree and they also disappoint each other. In spite of the fact that we, too, are most definitely human and therefore have had our share of unpleasant situations over the years, I would not trade my mom and dad for anyone else. Not even if those other Totally Made Up Alternate Parents had offered me a pony for my tenth birthday, took me to the circus every time it was in town, and let me eat ice cream every morning for breakfast.
Mom and Dad are playing Scrabble tonight. That's one of the very specific games that was commonly played in our family home over the years. Just like most other activities, the interest in playing board games comes in waves. Until Sunday night when they had snow like we did and lost their electricity and got out the game, I don't actually remember the last time I knew my parents to play a game of scrabble. But it didn't surprise me at all to hear they were playing again tonight. I guess you'd say they're on a roll.
What occurred to me when we hung up tonight is that there are certain things I've come to expect from my parents - as a couple, as well as individuals. Mom, for example, called me twice today (just to talk - I was working, and only just called her back now,) but now? She's playing Scrabble. And watching TV. Turns out she didn't have that much to say right this minute, after all. Sure, she asked me quite a few questions about my own life, and shared a bit, but I got a sense that she would have been way more talkative if I'd bothered to call her back earlier. When She'd Been In The Mood To Chat On The Phone. When I hung up she said, "Call me tomorrow! I'll be here alone for several hours." To which I thought, "Well I called you now!" Have I mentioned my mom could use Adderall more than I need it? When I reminded her I would be working, she said, "Well we don't have to talk long!" And she's right. We don't. So maybe I'll call.
This time, Dad and I did more of the talking. I shared some personal things that have been going on, and got his input. He is, after all, a counselor. Not to mention he's just really insightful, honest, and supportive. And he loves me.
We also talked about this move to WV. And how it keeps getting put off so that I can handle just one more thing. I totally did not plan on taking practically two whole weeks off from work to be sick, for example, and then the snow. Now I'm realizing I need to have another eye appointment, and have a couple more things I need to do to my car. And a few more people I might just like to see. And don't even let me get started about how badly I'm in need of some attention from my hair stylist. So we'll see whether I stay on Monday when I take the first load of necessities up there, or if I come back for a while, then go when it's more convenient to, y'know, retreat...
Anyway, yea. What I was saying? That My Parents Totally Rock And I Wish Yours Were As Great As Mine Are. But I realize they probably aren't, because that would be pretty hard to accomplish.
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Reader Comments (4)
Now this is just sweet! I love good moms and dads, and hope to be one when my kids grow up and write blogs. Right now I'm really enjoying my kids SO MUCH, which I think has a great deal to do with the good mom thing. You - being eminently likeable - must make it pretty easy for your parents in that regard.
In other news: we have a Date of Departure! June 22nd. We start in Serbia for 3 weeks, followed by either the French Alps, or the capital city of Slovakia (Bratislava). Yipes! (and also) Yippee!
I know. I'm a little ole' sap, sometimes. And you're right: I'm confident that enjoying your kids has everything to do with being a good mom.
Heh. You called me eminently likeable. I wish I'd always made it easy for my parents. Alas.
Your news is Most Excellent! I'm so thrilled that you've gotten this far. Wow. How cool did it feel to write that you're going to Serbia for 3 weeks? I mean, seriously. I love that you're doing this. Amazing. I am so living vicariously through your family...
I'm going to write my response in 2 parts. First as a mother, then as the daughter of amazing parents.
I can remember being overwhelmed with the love I experienced the first time I saw my babies' faces. I was hopelessly, head over heels in love. This has not changed in the passing years. I feel their pain when they are sad, and rejoice in there laughter and joy. They are the first people I ask God to bless in my prayers, and my greatest accomplishment. I don't know if I've gotten the parent thing right but I do know I have loved without condition these two wonderful gifts from God and will until the day I die.
Now as the child of two amazing parents. My mother could stop us with a look. She could talk through her teeth when angry with us yet give you the evil eye that said without her uttering a word "you are so in trouble". My Dad could tell us "don't do it again" and we knew DON'T DO IT AGAIN". They made us their number one priority. We came first in their lives. We never had lots of money but we always had what was important. I can remember sliding down the side of a hill on a piece of cardboard on a sunny Sunday day. We ate sandwiches, chips and watermelon and had the time of our lives because our parents were sliding down the hill beside us. My life is filled with such beautiful memories. I can not begin to tell you how much they mean to me, especially now that my mother is gone. Great parents are also a gift from God to be treasured and cherished. Take the time for the chats, I would give anything to talk to my Mom once more.
Tamara, thank you for sharing this. You honor your children AND your parents here.