Day Three of the Letter Writing Challenge

Dear Mom and Dad,

      Hi, it's your youngest. You know, the one that doesn't say much. This letter is a part of my 30 day letter writing challenge. It doesn't say what I'm supposed to write about but just a letter to my parents. Where to begin? 

       I can't believe by the time you were my age you had 4 kids. No wonder everyone thought you were crazy! On the other hand, I think my siblings and I are blessed to have each other so close in age and to have parents that are still very young. I don't know many families who get together for dinner on a regular basis, with more than 16 people to coordinate to boot! I think it's a testament to our love for each other that we always show up, that we always want to be there.

      It was devastating when I came to the realization that you were people and that you made mistakes just like anyone else. I thought you were perfect! But after the initial shock, as I get older, I can appreciate more and more you were trying to do your best with the best of intentions. 

     Dad, it seemed like for a few years we were constantly bumping heads. Mom says it's because we're so alike. At the time, I didn't like hearing that. But now I'm proud to share any one of your qualities. You are not only a man of wisdom but a man of action. You practice what you preach and I respect that.

     Mom, you were very strict when we were young; I can understand raising 4 kids so close in age would require discipline. It wasn't fun sometimes, I'll grant you. But as I got older and you got more mellow, I really enjoyed our time together. I think you're a very smart woman, with a lot of wisdom and good advice. I always want to know what you think and after hubby, you're the first person I want to talk to when I have a problem.

     Thank you for my faith. You set a firm foundation for me and it makes my life richer and fuller. I am glad that I have a mix of evangelical and Catholic backgrounds. I think it makes for a great combination because I can take the best of both worlds.

     You're great in-laws to my hubby. You're not overbearing but you still show you care. I appreciate it when you thank hubby for loving me and taking care of me. I appreciate it when you treat hubby the same way you would treat me.  You have told me that my husband comes before anyone, including my parents; you have lived out that advice by respecting our marriage and our relationship as a married couple.

     I wish you could see Jr. more often. It warms my heart when I see how happy she makes you. While I am happy that you're younger grandparents, sometimes I think it would be nice if you were older and retired so that I could come and visit you whenever I wanted. You are enjoying your empty nest (and rightly so!); I find it difficult to ask you to babysit when I think about the busy lives you lead, unless it's for a "good reason" or big occasion. I sometimes wonder if there's enough of your time to go around for 6 grandchildren.

    You did a good job raising me. I am a good person with a kind heart. I may not cook very well. I may hate ironing. I may not always say or do the right thing.  But I'm proud of how I was raised. I'm proud of the things you taught me. I'm proud that you are my parents.