My Heroes.

We all know that my family is just so very dear to my heart. I have lots to say about this today. I don't even know where to start... I think before I talk about my weekend I will talk about my parents. They are AMAZING. There are some things we really don't come to full realization of until adulthood. I wish I could see this clearer as a child. My parents work so incredibly hard. I am PROUD of where I come from- they make me proud. My mom and dad each came from big families; 6 kids and 5 kids respectively. My parents are each 1 of 2 kids of those families who have come out of poverty drug and alcohol- free and without criminal background. Not only that, but they are successful and humble. I am not one of those "kids" who thinks I'm "cool" because my parents "have money." Growing up I was always annoyed by the kids I went to school with who thought they were more important than others just because their parents could afford high end clothes, cars and homes. Lucky for me, when I was growing up my parents didn't have much. As a young child, my needs were met with the necessities, and Chris and I had best friends in one another to keep us occupied. We lacked nothing. Now they have much more and drive nice cars, but I don't feel cool because of the material possessions. I feel proud and impressed because of where my parents came from and where they are now as direct results of their work ethic, responsibility, humility, and my mother's trust in the Lord. Unlike myself, as young adults my parents had no one to "bail them out" when they faced financial hardship or illness. Their parents couldn't put a deposit in their checking account when things got hard. No one bought their first car for them or paid for their college education. They were raised with love and strong ethical values. As some of their siblings chose drugs, alcohol and other not so wise choices and lifestyles, they chose much more difficult routes of education, athletics and WORK. They made lives for themselves against all odds. I cannot express enough how truly amazed I am at who my parents are. I have been pondering how I may learn to have the same tenacious heart and attitude towards life that they do. I am so grateful for my grandparents who had no money but were/are wealthy with wisdom and passed it to my mom and dad who put those words into true action and rose above the odds against them growing up as black people in Dayton, Ohio.

Mom and Dad, you are my heroes!!!