My Parents

Well, I know this picture is random. I have been in the process of organizing my digital pictures while I transfer them from our old laptop to this one. I came across this picture tinight and it really caught me off guard. First of all... wow! I was skinny. And Young! And Rested! And my hair wasn't falling out (one of the wonderful things that have happened since I had kids). I wish I would have realized it then. Now I feel flabby, old, tired, and bald! Hahaha. It was only a little over 3 years ago, but it seems like a lifetime ago. It was taken at the wedding of our friends, Mary and Chad.
I know that my mom is going to kill me for posting this picture - she's not really "in to" having her picture taken. I love that her hair is hiding my dad's face. This picture just makes me smile. I remember how much fun we had that day. I remember how my dad bought that coat the morning of the wedding. I remember how pretty Mary looked as a bride. I remember seeing friends that I hadn't seen in a long time. I remember how the seamstress left a stain on the front of the dress I was wearing. I remember being so thankful that Mary had chosen such pretty bridesmaid dresses!
The best part of the picture is seeing my parents together. I stay pretty busy with both boys, and I do think of my dad ALL the time. But, when I stop and look at a picture of him, I can't help but cry. I automatically remember the way he smelled, his laugh, how it felt to be hugged by him, ...
Since I have become a mother, I appreciate my parents even more. I know how much they sacrificied to allow Daniel and I to do all the things we did. Most of all - putting us through 12 years of Catholic school. And taking trips, going to camps, taking art class, being a girl scout -
I hope that I can do the same for our kids. I hope that I can do the same for our grandkids.
I still feel like my dad was cheated. He was a year away from retirement - and they were finally getting close to a point where they could relax and travel and enjoy life without 8-5 work everyday.
Dad, I love you, and I am so thankful for all that YOU did to make ME happy. Thank you for being a truly selfless parent. I miss you every hour of the day.
Mom, I know how hard it is to have Dad gone. You are, and always have been, the best mom ever. Who else would listen and seem genuinely interested in my day-to-day events, like how well the kids slept, what I am fixing for dinner, how many poopy diapers I changed ...
You and Dad made me who I am today. All the things that you gave up helped provide a truly rich childhood. Please know that I never take you for granted - I appreciate everything that you have done and still do for me.
I love you both.