A tribute

Even though my parents are both alive and - in my Mother's case -fairly healthy, I had a moment today to reflect on what they have given me.

God's honest truth - I would never have picked either of them, had I had the choice.  They married to escape their families - and my only sibling - well, let's just say it's amazing that I can admit to having one without spitting.

My manager recently lost a very dear uncle - which we discussed today at length - and Brian lost his dad a few years ago, and I always wondered just what I would say if I were to lose my parents.

I think it might be something like this:

Because of my father
I am fearless

Because of my mother
I am tolerant and open-minded towards others

Because of my father
I am powerful

Because of my mother
I am just and fair

Because of my father
I am well-read and cultured

Because of my mother
I am nurturing and forgiving

Because of my father
I know that my limits are boundless

Because of my mother
I know I am lovable and loved

Because of my father
I know what it means to have a sense of humor

Because of my mother
I know what it means to respect the feelings of others

Because of them both

I am a survivor

I am a worthwhile human being

I count for something

I have made them proud

My parents – my mother and father – were of another time.  They didn’t know what to expect of us – but they took a chance.

My father – a difficult man to love at the best of times – still made time to watch Saturday morning cartoons with his children - and allowed us and the dogs to wrestle him awake on Saturday mornings.

My father – unhappy with his lot in life and despite daily outbreaks of rage and frustration, made a home for us where we never wanted for anything - and we never missed a meal.  And at times, just barely.

My father – the man I occasionally implored my mother to leave, believing she and I could only be happy apart from him and my brother – showed in his later years that he could learn and adapt and realize that the ultimate happiness of his child did not revolve around his own personal viewpoint.

My father learned the grace necessary to apologize for his behavior.

My mother is a woman of hidden strength – she kept us from tearing apart.

My mother didn’t know her strength until later in life – when she had reached her breaking point.

My mother always knew and trusted that people were inherently good, regardless of their background.

My mother – which I will always thank her for – never noticed the color of a person’s skin.

My mother personified what 'class' meant , regardless of income or social status.

Between them, I am a complete person.  Strong and just - fearless yet caring.

I love who they made me.

My parents were far from perfect - but then, aren't we all?  And coming to love them took some time and some space.  But despite many bumps in the road - and there were very many, let me assure you- I ultimately know that I made them proud.

Cheers to you, mom and dad.