Count Your Blessings

Since September we've had two friends lose one of their parents. Both due to unexpected tragedies. When a friend loses a parent, it's hard to find the right words to comfort them. You want to help, but you don't want to bother them at their time of sorrow. You try finding comforting words, but know that nothing you say will help the pain go away.

I thought I'd take a minute and give my parents a shout out. After the last two months I realize they won't be around forever and our time on this earth can be over at any time. The thought of death is frightening, but the thought of life, without someone you care about, is even scarier. I see more of mom and dad in my actions every single day.

I remember giving my mom a hard time about her turning into her mother, so I have to laugh each time my actions are similar to hers. A couple weeks ago I was talking to my SIL on the phone, as I casually laughed about something, she stopped me and said, "You sounded just like your mom right then." My first reaction was, "Oh no...", but the more I think about being 'just like my mom', the more I embrace it. I can't say enough good things about her. She has always had this tender way about her that I can only hope to share with my children. She was never afraid to get on her hands and knees with us to play, learn, or even cry.

She would let us stay up late every once in awhile and sit in our room with us while we laughed and talked. We always had fun, engaging activities to do when we were younger. Looking back on them, I realize they were generally educational, that's what you get with a teacher mom, but she had a way of making them a lot of fun. My mom, although soft spoken, is very blunt and never sugar coats a word. I love it because you always know where you stand with her. There's no ulterior motive behind her actions and words. I've definitely got the blunt part down, but I need to work on my sincerity.

As my mom always says, "There is no doubt you are your fathers child." (Usually while shaking her head in loving disapproval.) My dad and I have shared a special connection as long as I can remember. Being the first daughter has a lot to do with it. I always looked up to him as I was younger and wanted to be just like him. A lot of my passions today came from his influence. Music has always been a big part of my life, and a hobby we are able to share.

We always had music playing in the background at our house; anything from Allman Brothers to ZZ Top to Tanya Tucker. My parents bought me a piano when I was 10 and it has been such a blessing in my life. I was even lucky enough to have a husband who values my love for music and gave me a piano for my 22nd birthday.

Our personalities are what we share the most. We're both lo

ud, always trying to say the last word, all while attempting to make someone laugh. If no one laughs, we will. When I first moved out I called my brother & sister-in-law every single day. They would put the phone on the couch while I was talking, and could still hear every word I was saying....without speaker phone.

No one has ever accused me or my dad for being quiet! My dad is the type of person who will open his heart to just about anyone he meets, I hope that I am the same way with the people I meet day in and day out.

I've been blessed with two amazing parents who are some of my best friends today. I literally can't imagine life without them, and I hope I don't have to for awhile. I'm glad to know, even if they aren't around in years to come, that they are a part of me. It's times like this I wish they lived closer, I miss them tremendously and can't wait for Christmas so I can see them!