I had a glimpse of a memory from long ago today.  I was putting Zane to sleep (for the more than second time) and he wanted me to lay down and sleep next to him.  I, of course, was hard at work on the photobooks and knew I didn’t have much time to spare.  (just as a side note… if you give your children all the time you can give when they are awake and then they want you to sleep with them too, or at least until they ARE asleep, then it is definitely time for you to go to sleep.  OR, you stay up until morning trying to get things done that you can’t do while they are awake because you feel like you are ignoring them or the interruptions are too much.  Then you are tired and trying to be a good mommy with no sleep.  How does a mother balance it all?)  So, I instinctively tried to help him fall asleep quickly by tickling his face.  I traced his nose and around his eyes, then brushed his cheeks and lips with the backside of my fingers, then traced around his ears.  I could see his eyes getting heavy and at that moment I remembered the MANY nights that my very own mother helped me fall asleep in the same manner.  When I was suffering with a migraine headache and crying for some comfort, my mom would come rushing in to serve me.  She would go grab my medicine and then lay next to me trying to help me relax, calm down and fall back asleep.  It always worked.

I suppose as I get older, I recognize more and more the things my parents have done for me, sacrificed for me.  I know they did the very best they could do and always wanted what was best for me.  I never ever doubted how much they loved me.  I realize some of the struggles they endured (and I will realize more as I learn and grow while raising my kids-scary!) and what dreams they had for us as children and as a family.  We didn’t always agree…  normal stuff, right?  I admire their strength and courage, perseverance and determination, devotion and diligence, patience and dedication, I could go on but since they really all mean the same thing you know what I mean!  ; )  It was all for the benefit of their family…

I am so grateful for my parents.  I am so grateful for the wonderful home they provided for me.  I am grateful that both of my parents are still here for me to learn from and love.  I am grateful that they want to spend time with me and my kids.  I am grateful for the lunches that my mom plans and sets aside time for me.  I am grateful for my dad’s sense of humor-he has kept me laughing for 30+ years now.  I am grateful for their talents.  I am grateful for their example, their guidance and love.

Mom and Dad, I appreciate all that you do for me. I love you!…this much!