Birthdays (Day 4)

They only come once a year, birthdays. Now that's I'm 22 I'm not really all that excited for my birthday. I'm just getting older now. There aren't anymore milestones for awhile. But nonetheless it is still my birthday. My blessing for today isn't my birthday though, it's my parents. The two that gave me life. My parents have shaped who I am today. They have taught me to be driven and to not give up. I am strong because the of wisdom my parents gave me. From my mom I got my timeliness, my spunk, my temper (sorry mom), my boldness. From my dad I got my love for nature and animals, my gentle spirit, my caring nature, my tend to worry (sorry dad) for others. Both sets of characteristics have made me who I am and even though I know I'm not perfect, I love myself. They also taught me to do just that, love myself. To know that I am good enough and that people's sly comments should not kill my spirit. They are only lies, God made me how He wanted me. They have given me this weird personality where I can be very blunt but still do it out of love. They have made me logical but emotional at the same time. If I have a question I go find the answer for myself. The characteristics they've given me have made me very independent, so independent where I'm excited to do something new even if I have no one with me. Moving to a new city where I know no one is enticing, walking into a CoC alone for the first time isn't scary to me. Those are just ways to meet new people. I've also been known to pick up stray animals and bring them home. :) Like the one time I went for a run and found a dog laying in the middle of the road (he wasn't dead, just laying there). I took him home, my parents thrilled, put up signs around the neighborhood, and in a few hours the family called.

All of those being said, probably the most important aspect I learned from my parents was learning how to have faith in God through all struggles and how to keep a family together. My parents have never given up on each other before. I honestly don't know all the struggles they've gone through but I've learned that no matter what, they will fight to keep our family together. I cannot thank them enough for that. Because of their faith they have given me something that a lot of parents can't do for their kids anymore. I have been able to grow up, graduate high school, and almost finish my undergraduate with my parents still loving each other. That has taught me so much. I don't even know how much, not yet at least, but I know that they have equipped me with the tools I will need to have a successful family.

So thank you mom and dad. I know there are many more things I could have said but these were the ones that came to mind. And thank you Father for giving me two wonderful people I can always put my trust in.

We are one attractive family ;)