Day 12

Today I am thankful for my parents. They supplied me with all the tools I needed to become successful in my life. If there were no them, there would be no me. As I get older I am starting to understand the depth of the sacrifices that they made for me. I was never in "need" of anything growing up but they made sure that my list of "wants" was just long enough that I would be able to understand the difference between the two. My dad was and is the epitome of a hard worker. He works, what seems, tirelessly and always puts other people's needs ahead of his own. He will help anyone in a moments notice and though I feared his quiet, strong demeanor most of my young life, I have no doubt that this fear kept me on the right track and out of trouble. My mom is caring and consistent. Everything that she did while I was growing up was with our best interests in mind. Becoming a parent I now understand so much more about her. She stayed home with us when we were younger and I took for granted the pleasure of having someone greet me when I got off the school bus and the ease of coming home after school and having someone ensure my homework was done right away and I got my chores done. She taught us all how to take responsibility for ourselves and our actions which is a quality I think far too many people underestimate. She taught me the importance of a clean house, a good meal and a respectful attitude. She was consistent in her discipline and was sure to treat us fairly, not equally. Though the day we overcame our fear of the wooden spoon was probably much sooner than she had hoped, she is friendly to everyone she meets so you could rest assured if you did something wrong, she would soon know about it. As an adult I now find her to be a great resource and friend. I find comfort knowing she is only an hour away if I need anything...from a good laugh to a reality check in parenting (little Jaclyn = little Emma) she has the answers. I am so blessed to have two relatively young, healthy parents that model hard work and perseverence. They are a perfect reminder of how to enjoy the good times and fight through the hard times.