I have just come to realise how wonderful my parents are, well not just, but I had a light-bulb moment yesterday, when it dawned on me that I have been raised by an amazing couple.
When we were growing up, we had a huge family – us with 5 kids, and my dad’s 5 sisters with 5 each, and Mum’s sister with 4 (yeah, yeah we are all Catholic, lol !!), so family gatherings were always on a major scale. As we grew up, there were always friends over, friends parents, an aunt or uncle, grandparents, lady next door etc, and never once did my parents say that someone couldn’t stay for dinner, or have a drive home, or stay the night if they needed to. Everyone was always welcome and my parents made that person feel special, which in turn made us feel special. As we got even older, married and aquired in-law extras, it was always understood without the words ever having been spoken, that these extras were now part of the family too.
I am very lucky to have had the exposure to such a loving upbringing, and I actually told my parents this yesterday. They were touched. I just to tell them that I had assumed that all families operated in this way, but that isn’t the case, and I had taken for granted their unselfish nature. It is never to late to tell your parents that you love them and appreciate all they have done for you – I did and it was wonderful.
Very courageous and how lovely of you Fran. Wonderful family – they sound like mine if I do say so myself!!! And you’re right – it’s easy to take for granted if one don’t realise that not all families are like that!
Dear Fran,
Thank you for all those wonderful things you said about Dad and me. We are very proud of what you were growing up, and what you have become. And, now with three beautiful children and lovely husband, we are even prouder!. Love you so much.
Mum
That is SOOOOO lovely. I had an incredibly happy childhood and have never thanked my parents or spoken about it. I’ve never been tactile or said ‘loving’ things to my parents. I can never remember saying I love you to them. I take it for granted that they will know. It’s not til now though, with a sick and disabled Mum who has lost it ‘mentally’ that it makes me realise what I should have done and said years and years ago. Don’t know why but just clam up and can’t do it. I’m not proud of it – it does make me sad but have to live with it. Dad knows that I’d/we’d do anything for them so I hope that is a little help for him. It’s fantastic to know that you have the totally opposite relationship with your parents – make the best of it you really are terribly lucky.