Family

I've always been amazed at the quality of my family. I have a father who is a strong male role-model and has shown me forgiveness, gentleness, and more kindness than I deserve sometimes. I have a mother who has taught me how to love myself and others, compassion, patience, and how to listen to my heart. The combination of their strength and encouragement has made me a better human being. I could never thank either of them enough for loving me so unconditionally and always being there when, literally, no one else was. They've seen me at my best and encouraged me to pursue what I was good at. They've seen me at my worst and helped me put the pieces of my broken life back together.

Larissa and I went to Waffle House tonight to share good conversation over coffee and greasy food, and I started talking about my parents and how grateful I am for their support. Sometimes I take them for granted, but that's only because they've been so present in my life. I would not trade them for anything, and I guess vocalizing that to someone else really made me realize just how important they are to me and how much I value them. Not just as parents, but as human beings. They are wonderful people in addition to being wonderful parents. Seeing them play with Kloee makes me smile because I know someday they will be the best grandparents in the world.