Tribute to my parents
My parents are wealthy now but did not have much money when I was little. There was no room for big expenses like vacations. They could not buy expensive presents for birthdays. Yet my childhood was a happy one.
They gave me something more valuable than the most fancy gift. They taught me principles and values. They encouraged me to learn and study. They taught me to trust in myself and capacities in most fields (not all, they're not perfect).
This helped me a lot in regards to dealing with some difficult life issues and gave me the courage to overcome obstacles.
A pity they can't read this. They are still alive and healthy but they have no internet and poor knowledge of English.
Having such a good example certainly made me a better parent to my children. Funny thing is, that now I am a grandmother, that I sometimes see myself when I see how my kids handle theirs.
Come to think of it, I never told them how I feel. And I should do that now that they are still around. Much nicer than to make a speech on their funeral which will not come soon I hope!
Update
My parents are still around, thank God. After writing above article I thought of a way to let them know. I am not so good in expressing such thoughts verbally person to person. What I did is translate the above in Dutch and made a nice graphic of above text and a picture of me and put it in a photo frame. I gave it to them on the next birthday party. I felt a bit embarrassed because almost all family was present. My parents were moved to tears and showed the photo frame to all present.
It is more than a year later now. The photo frame stands in full sight on the cupboard. Repeatedly when we visit them they mention how much they appreciate this gesture. It makes me feel good that they feel good about it.
Maybe an idea for you? I have read many stories beginning with "if only I had" and "I wish I had told them that...."