I can not begin to tell you how THANKFUL I am for my parents. In today’s world where there are many single, separated, and blended families, who by the way are doing exceptional jobs in raising their kids, I have been blessed to have my parents married and under the same roof my entire life. They have not only nurtured and supported me, but they have provided priceless guidance and afforded me enough leeway to mold into the man I am today while still being a safety net when I fall.
A parent’s love is equivalent to God’s love for His children and my parents have loved me unconditionally and as deeply as Christ loved His son. They say you will never understand a parent’s love until you become a parent yourself. This may be true, but I understand that it takes a great deal of sacrifice and I am so grateful to have the parents that I do. They are more than a blessing; they are an example, an inspiration, and aspiration. My parents continued pursuit of love and togetherness epitomizes why the matrimonial union was designed.
To say I am proud of them is an understatement. I’m in awe of their longevity (42 years) in spite of devastation, death, and despair. What they have endured is daunting to say the least, but they have managed to withstand. And is that not what marriage is about, standing together to battle life’s tribulations (for better or for worse) while growing individually and together mentally, emotionally, and spiritually?
I am eternally THANKFUL for the parents God blessed me with and for them accepting the challenge and rising to the occasion every time! I can never repay them for all they have done for me, but I will do all I can to make them proud and make sure they know their efforts were not in vain. Mom and Dad, THANK you for loving me no matter what and providing me with a life that was not measured by things you could buy, but forged through the time we spent together, communication, discipline, lessons taught, and lots of hugs. My love for you only pales in your love for me.
How have your parents affected your life and how has it shaped you to become a parent? Share your thoughts here or @BrotherWord with the hashtag #ParentsLove.