I know I was not the easiest child, teenager, or young adult, to be around for a very long time (hell, sometimes I'm still not pleasant). From 10-14, I was confused and uncomfortable and all together strange, though I do not remember a lot about that time. Middle school was God awful and I was thankful to get into high school. Before that though I was spoiled and never went without (and I still don't) because of them. Family trips, skating, soccer, cheerleading, softball, shopping - I got to do and have it all. For those things I obviously am very thankful for, but it is the other type of support that I am eternally thankful for.
High school, specifically sophomore and senior years, were tough. I dealt with my first bout of depression in 10th grade. Luckily I had my parents, despite our relationship being strained sometimes, and their support in getting better. When tragedy rocked my world in July 2003, they were there once again.
My reaction to that incident though rocked THEIR world later that year. Never once were they mad at me, but genuinely worried and wanted me to get better. Through the next few years as I graduated and went to college they continued to support me in ways I will never forget.
We have been fortunate that my parents have good jobs and are what I would consider successful. It has never been a cake walk in my opinion, but as the saying goes: Work Hard, Play Hard. I believe my parents have nailed this philosophy. Looking at them makes me hopeful that my future will at one time be filled with nights at ball games, trips to Vegas and weekend getaways, most of the time spent together.
Currently at an age where I am considered a "real" adult, the things they continue to do are priceless. I unfortunately still have to depend on them for a lot because they have let me fulfill my dream of being a sports information director (and that has taken a while), but they have let me grow and change and become the person I have always wanted to be.
The biggest thing they do is believe in me. They believed I could succeed at anything I put my mind to. I won a national championship with my skating team, graduated Summa Cum Laude out of high school, moved to South Carolina, joined a sorority, got good grades, moved to Chicago for an internship (which they took a loan out for), graduated with honors and secured a "job" out of college. Plus they have helped me move like six times now, so that has to count for a lot.
Now I am still doing what I love and getting a master's degree, all because they were willing to help me out and believe I can do it.
As of late though, the biggest gift they have given me is Weight Watchers. I say it like that because my parents offered to pay for this program. They could see I was still not happy with my body and it took a toll on me. In the past they paid for Jenny Craig, but I wasn't in the stage of my life to follow that like I should have. Weight Watchers though was a program that was going to work. Obviously it has. I am 36 pounds lighter. I am happier than I have been in several years and looking forward to seeing my progression through the next year when I graduate with a master's and FINALLY get my first full time position.
Without their financial and emotional support, there is no way I could have gotten this far. WW actually came relatively easy for me once I stopped giving into every temptation that came my way, plus getting my butt in gear more often than not. There is nothing better than calling after a meeting and knowing how proud they are of me.
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| After finishing the Warrior Dash |
Today (and everyday) there is nothing I am more thankful for than Shawn and Kathie.
-A
P.S. My 50-year old father did the Warrior Dash with me because I wanted to prove I could do it and there was no one else to go with me. One more reason I love him that much more!
Tomorrow: Fun, Flirty Friday
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