This is a weekend we celebrate moms, but I can’t really think about my own mom without thinking about my parents as a unit. This summer, they’ll celebrate 37 years of marriage. Their relationship, like many of us, has sure seen its ups and downs. But somehow, they’ve weathered every storm and gotten stronger for the wear. I’ve told them many times that they are such an awesome example for Floyd and I. They are the best of friends and there’s nothing they couldn’t tell each other (even when they don’t agree!). Floyd & I are that way too. We love strong, have fun, and celebrate life’s most happy occasions with all the joy possible and hold each other close in times of sadness and frustration. I have not a single doubt in my mind that Floyd and I would not be where we are today (in so many realms) without a couple of things: the love of each other, the love and incredible support of our families, and a binding faith in God.
But bringing the circle back around…when I took my trip down memory lane this week, I was thinking mostly about the journey Floyd and I have gone on in the past 12 years. But here’s another hugely important component of where we’ve been and where we’re going: my mom and dad.
I’ll never forget the day I moved into my college apartment freshman year in a sweltering 119 degree record setting heat. My parents just melted as we moved my things in. They knew I really wanted to attend a private college for the close knit atmosphere and small class sizes, so Webster U. in St. Louis was a perfect fit, not too far from home. Nearly every home basketball, they watched me cheerlead. They paid mountains of tuition bills and expenses for books, food and rent, and never once complained. They took Floyd and I on vacations, helped put HIM through college even before we were married, and were always right there never questioning what they could do to help: financially, emotionally, you name it. When we got married, I got the fairytale wedding every little girl dreams of. As I pursued a master’s degree later on, they were there for me every step of the way.
When I set out on this crazy television career, my parents answered every question I had about “becoming a grown up”, helped finance our first house while mind you still helping pay the bills my meager beginner’s reporting salary couldn’t muster the money to cover. When Kansas came calling, they packed and unpacked boxes with us, and hung pictures on walls. My mom even rode in the car with me and our dog Aleah so I wouldn’t be lonely, as Floyd drove the U-Haul. The story was much the same when it came time to move to Iowa.
As Drake came into the world–their precious first grandchild, my parents were over the moon. Drake’s entire bedroom was outfitted by them, and just about every piece of clothing our child has ever worn. They have “fun” picking up diapers because my grandparents would always do that for them.
Now as we head to West Virginia, I know there are still things I’ll need help from my wonderful parents for. I guess I’ve always felt like a good daughter, and they’ve always treated me accordingly. My mom always told me when I was a kid, ‘We’ll spoil you until you act spoiled.’ I think I’ve held up my end of the bargain pretty well for 28 years. My mom always appreciates a good “thank you” note, and it’s gotten to the point I kind of like to write them. It’s nice to take a moment or two from time to time just to say “thanks” even though “thanks” could never be enough to measure up for all they’ve done for me (and our whole family). I just hope someday that Floyd & I will have the forethought and where-with-all to be able to provide the same kind of support to Drake that they’ve given us. They seem to fully grasp the concept of how much more gratifying it is to give than to receive, and I know they feel blessed to do all that they have. I just hope that in some small measure they realize how much we value their continued love and support. I know they always offer a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, and careful advice that is far more invaluable to me than any monetary gift could ever be. They are the foundation of the family Floyd and I have built. I couldn’t be more thankful for that.
As I sit here thinking about it, my eyes are just welled and tears running down my cheeks. God has richly blessed us in so many ways, and the guardians of parents he placed in my life simply could not be better. I know sometimes we but heads, and we don’t always agree, but I am 100 percent sure that no two other people could be more fit, loving, and doting parents than my mom & dad. Just to cover all the bases, I’m sorry for things I’ve ever said to upset you, grateful for your overwhelming support, and forever indebted to you for just flat out putting me on this planet to do my best to serve God’s will for my life.
Thank you, guys…Thank you for always loving me and never second-guessing me. You are the support system every child deserves, and one I’m eternally grateful to have. God Bless–and cheers to many more years of the amazing journey ahead!
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This post was written by kmashek on May 11, 2013
) On this Mother’s Day, I’m just really thankful to be Drake’s mommy. He’s a terrific little guy who teaches me new things about myself, and makes me strive to be better all the time…setting the best possible example of love, support, and faith. Love you Drake!
