An Ode to Mom and Dad

Mom and dad, just because I have moved 9 hours from you doesn’t mean I love you any less. Yes, having a 1 year old son makes traveling more challenging, but it doesn’t mean I love you any less. You both have been so inspirational in my life and I am forever grateful for the lessons you taught me and the lessons you allowed me to learn on my own. I know it hurts you when we are unable to come visit like we’d like to but it doesn’t mean I love you any less.

Dad, you taught me how to be a man. You showed me how to give respect first to others and be patient, kind and caring towards people. I remember in middle school I was ashamed that you were a pastor. I was made fun quite a bit for it, but as I matured I realized that if I was going to embrace my faith, people would laugh and make fun of me. You showed me to still love and care for those people as well. I remember you were always there to pick me up from school when the weather was bad. We lived right next door to the church and you always kept an eye on me from your office window when I was out in the yard playing. As I grew older, you helped me become mature and independent. I finally felt like it was time to move out from under your roof and you were there helping me pack my things and unpack them at the new apartment. You never pushed me out, but you were supportive and I thank you for that. I turned my back on God several times that you don’t know about. In high school I used marijuana, cocaine, LSD and alcohol without your knowledge. I guess I wanted to fit in with the cool kids in school. I always felt guilty and repented and eventually saw how some of my friends were using drugs more often, getting into trouble and ditching school. That wasn’t for me. You see, by your actions, you showed me that life is much more about finding the next best thing. Life is about doing what is pleasing to God and I know from experience that because I am living a life pleasing to God that I have peace and joy. You prayed for me for so many years and even continue today and I appreciate those because my family and I are prosperous and live a life devoted to Christ which has brought peace. Dad, I remember after college when the church you were pastoring turned on you, well the leadership, and tossed you out. I remember sitting in that church service listening to your staff tell blatant lies to the congregation, mom was balling her eyes out. I watched how you responded and you sat and listened to what people had to say politely. You then spoke and told the congregation how much you love the work you do and that you could no longer work with leadership that didn’t support you. You probably felt so alone in those moments, but I was there with you, supporting you, learning from your example. You have never tolerated evil and I try to live that way as well. Dad, I remember when your little sister died from breast cancer. It happened so quickly and I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t know how to support you in that time. I didn’t make it to the funeral and I’m sorry for that. I loved Aunt Charlotte. She was always fun to be around and I just didn’t want the last memory I had of her being in a casket. I’m sorry. Dad, I’ve never heard you say a curse word and I do my best not to do that as well. I know you’re not perfect, but I am pretty blessed that God chose you to give me as my father. I don’t deserve it, but I’m very grateful for it. Thank you for your love, your time, your patience, your discipline, your generosity, your wisdom, and your example.

Mom, you stayed home to raise me and teach all of the things a mother teaches her baby. You comforted me and gave me love as a baby. You taught me how to walk, how to talk, how to pee in the toilet, how to eat and how to respect my elders. You were tough but always had a soft spot for your son. Things weren’t always smooth between us especially when I was a teenager. I constantly broke your rules and disrespected you and I’m sorry for that. I was very rebellious and even though you and dad set a positive example for me, I just did what I wanted. You have a fragile, tender heart for your sons. I have held resentments towards you off and on again through the years and I realize it has kept us from being close at times. You worked hard to take care of me and when you went back to work, you worked hard to help provide for me. I remember you being my biggest fan when I was in little league and in high school when I played in the marching band. No other mother could compete. Sometimes I think back to those days and it seemed simpler; easier. I thought I had everything figured out but you knew better and let me stumble around until I fell but you were always there to pull me back up. I learned how important commitment is from you which I carry with me to this day.

You both have been inspirational in my life and have taught me more lessons than words can ever express. Thank you for being positive, Christian role models for me and my family. I am blessed and very grateful for what I have.