Growing up I can clearly remember many times not understanding why my parents just would not give me everything that I wanted. I used to think that I was so under-privileged because I could not always have what my friends had. As an adult I now realize how grateful I am that my parents didn’t give me everything that I wanted because I really didn’t need everything that I wanted. And I realize that my parents gave me more than I needed and saw to it that our family had a nice home, food to eat, good clothes to wear, discipline to learn right from wrong and above all else, love. Along the way they instilled a good work ethic and virtues such as caring for others, compassion and giving to others in need. Both of my parents came from families that were considered poor. Both of my parents sought to make sure that their children did not have to endure the hardships they did growing up. So many times I see parents that cannot tell their children “no” and I think how sad it is. I am grateful that my Mom and Dad did tell me no when I needed to hear it. I am a much better person today because of the values my parents taught me when I wasn’t paying attention.
Quote and numeric graphic by Kristen Creech from her 30 Days of Gratitude kit.
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