my parents

-love-

-sacrifice-

-patience-

-faith-

-determination-

-kind-

-selfless-

-charity-

-integrity-

-teachers-

-thinkers-

-spellers :)-

-firm-

-bold-

-inspired-

-obedient-

-examples of everything that is good-

My parents are all of these things and so much more. I have never seen two people who are more devoted to one another or to their family.

Every morning, way before the sun comes up, my dad is out the door an on the way to work. He wakes up that early so that he can get all of his jobs done and make it back home, usually to go to a ball game but mainly to spend time with our family. Over the years my dad has taught me so many things...hard work is important, good grades are mandatory, honesty, respecting others, standing up for what is right and so much more. When I was in high school I played sports every single season all four years. I could always count on my dad to be at every single game. He didn't miss one. I made the volleyball team when I was a freshman and the first week of practice I hated it. I remember coming home crying every single day and begging my parents to let me quit and I remember my dad talking to me about how once you start something, you finish it (I LOVE volleyball now :-) My dad is willing to listen no matter what I need to talk to him about. Two days ago I was on the way to the grocery store and I called him to ask which store had the best prices. That was it, that's all I needed, something so simple but he was there...like he always is.

I don't know how my mom does it. She is hardcore. :) On top of having 5 children and one grand baby :) she has a full-time job and she goes to school for herself! I look at my mom and am constantly amazed by her perseverance. No matter how hard her life gets she never stops. I know that I can call my mom and she will be willing to listen, give advice and make me laugh. A lot of people say I look and act a lot like her...I like to think so. My mom has taught me things like...most of the time laughter is the best medicine, sometimes it's better just to be quiet, hard work pays off, helping others brings happiness, I have what it takes to become the person that I want to become, giving up is not okay...I will never be able to repay my mom for the example that she has been to me.

I don't really understand why it takes people so long to really appreciate their parents. I have always been grateful for what they have done for me and the things they have given but recently I have gained a greater love and respect for my parents then I have ever had. They have always taught me and my brothers and sisters that family is the most important thing. No matter what trials come our way, no matter what people say, no matter what people think, our family sticks together; they always have, and I know they always will because that is what my parents have taught us.