I realize that unlike many children today, I was very fortunate enough to have both parents present in my home. Living in a nation plagued by divorce and various other family destroying components, I was fortunate enough to see both my parents daily interacting with one another in the home. Each of them; however, gave pieces of me to make me who I am.
For most of my life I would probably identify myself as a "daddy's girl". When I was young I use to claim that I looked like my mama but acted like you. You lit the fire in me for politics and the obsessive need to argue my stance. You though, looking back gave and instilled in me
many characteristics that have made me who I am. You taught me that no matter what I go through that my relationship with Christ is number one and my character is number 2. By retaining those two ideals I am bound to make the right decision most of the time. One major lesson that learn from you has been the love of a man. You have been married to my mother for over 2 decades and in those 2 decades my brother and I have had the fortune of seeing you two love in times of happiness and times of sadness. A statement that I will never forget is when you looked at me and said "Two things I want you kids to know, 1 that I loved Christ and 2 I love your mama". You and mom are grossly and adorably in love with one another.
Dear Mama,
Sadly I spent a good deal of my life at odds with you. You were out of fashion, weird and obviously did not love me. Most of my life I was stupid. Today I would say you are my best friend. I share my life with you; boys, friends, hard times, good times and so on. You have taught me how to be unforgivably giving to everyone. Growing up you poured your life into my brother, my father and I. In fact, until now you never really did anything with friends outside of the home. Your friends consisted of my brother and my friend's parents. You constantly put us first. You also put others outside of our little family first as well. I watched growing up as you gave until you thought you had nothing left to give, then gave some more. A fine example of this was my "middle school years" *Cue scarey music*. I was... I was well for a lack of a better word, a nightmare, ok I actually was a nightmare. I rarely can remember a moment when our nights didn't end in a screaming match. This went on for 2 years. You never stopped showing me love. Many nights you would end up crying with me. You never stopped fighting for me. You never stopped praying for me. I know for a fact that I pushed you past your breaking points many nights but you kept giving. You are still out of fashion, weird but I know you loves me.
All and all my parents were the second biggest influence in my life. Even at college I cannot wait to go home and laugh with them. When I have a problem or a happy moment to share they are the first people I call. They are constantly encouraging me to accomplish my goals and pushing my relationship with Christ to go further than comfort. They aren't perfect [Ask them or my brother or me], they daily mess up like any human. However they do the best they can with what they have and then some. They are the greatest example I have for a Christ-centered marriage and the best cheerleaders I'll ever have.
Love you Mama and Daddy :)
Later Gator,
Amanda
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