Wednesday, November 11, 2009

My Parents

These two people are, hands down, the two most influential people in my life. Each has had their own special way of affecting and influencing my life.

My father, one of the hardest working men I know, never slows down. He worked his way up the ladder in corporate America, faced adversity and economic downturn multiple times, but never gave up. His work ethic, business skills, diplomacy, and customer service skills have been a major influence on who I am today. My father has supported us, coached us, and fought for us. He also paid for each one of his kids to go to college, not because he was rich but because he worked really hard and fulfilled a goal he had set for himself - how awesome is that!? In addition to his business acumen and unending support he has shown me, just this year, how to survive. Faced with multiple, serious, and scary medical issues, he has not let anything - any frustration, any set back, any physical change - beat him. He keeps on keeping on, puts on a really brave face, and continues to fight the good fight. I respect and honor the courage he has shown this year more than he will EVER know.

My mom. One of the most loving, compassionate, thoughtful, kind and giving people I know. To my kids, I am not even a quarter of what she is and was to my brothers, sister, and me. And my kids would probably say that too. She was meant to be a mom, and a grammie. She is such a natural caregiver, excelling in taking care of others - and always before herself. She's not just nice, she's wicked funny too. She's the first to drop anything and everything if you need something. Most of all though, she is the world's best listener. We always told her everything - EVERYTHING. I mean EvErYthing! You know why we told her? Because she listened, she wanted to know, and she was very slow to judge us for what we said to her. That is and was my favorite thing about her.

My parents. I would never be who I am today without them. And I am so happy I have them in my life and my children's lives too. (p.s. - they've been married for 37 (or 38?) years too!)



I love you mom and dad!!!

xoxo,

Katie

4 comments:

eileen Broderick said...

Thank you for this amazing post. I love your parents, too--just from what you've said and from who you are! And I love this picture of them--gorgeous. Thanks also for reminding me of how much I love and appreciate my own parents.

laurie said...

katie..how sweet!! i love it!

Robin Dini Photography said...

What an awesome tribute to your parents. Being a parent is such a hard job because all you want is for your kids to be safe and happy. That's what it all comes down to. And once that little baby pops into your life, your goal from that moment on is to make sure that you achieve that for them; to provide a safe and loving home so they can grown up to be independent beings with a good conscience. Your parents did an amazing job. It was such a great honor to meet them last winter and visit with you guys in their home. You have an awesome family.

Betsy Jo said...

Such a beautiful tribute, and beautiful picture!