There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of my mom and dad. They have always remained a huge part of my life, even if distance separates us.
Let me tell you a few things about my mom that I have admired throughout my life. She is a very devout person. When it comes to doing what's right, in life, there is no question with her integrity. It's like 'right' comes very natural to her. I have loved that about her. Her decision-making process is very solid and sound. The next thing I have loved, (especially as an adult) is that what she says is what she means. Growing up you quickly realized that when she asked you to do something, there was a very good reason behind her request. She has a solid, unbreakable 'backbone'. No matter how long or how committed I was in my endeavor to negotiate, if she already said something, the thought had already been done and there wasn't a way of talking her out of how she felt about something. As a kid, I didn't appreciate this quality for what it was. As an adult, that is amazing! Thanks for teaching this valuable lesson. The last thing, was her immense ability to love! When I was serving as a missionary for the LDS church, I would anticipate the weekly letter from home. I could always identify the letter because it was in a large envelope with various decorative stamps all over the envelope. I loved it and when I saw that envelope in the mailbox my heart raced with great excitement. When I opened the letter, it's contents were always uplifting and she knew precisely what to say to me for that particular week. Even though I was 5,400 miles away from home, I knew of her love for me.
My dad is the best dad in the world. (I hope all of you will be willing to argue with me about this point.) He is a dad who has always made time for his kids. There was/has never been a question in my mind of his undying love and admiration for my mom. He prioritizes his time to be with his family but never neglects the other parts of his life that are important, too. As a young child, I always remember him being willing to do things that were of interest to me, even if they didn't sound fun to him. If he wasn't interested in something I wanted to do, he never made that known. I just felt like he wanted to be a part of my life. He has an ability to love and accept those people that the rest of the world would rather neglect because of their differences. He doesn't care who you are, he loves people! He has always been a terrific example of a follower of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you, Dad.
My parents are stalwart in the things they believe in and all that they do. I would put them up against any parents in the entire world. I'm not saying they're perfect, but they are wonderful people. My desire is that I can be just like they are in many different ways. I realize that I need to be myself but great examples are always nice to have.
Life is great and thanks for your influence, for good, in my life.
