3 Lessons My Parents Taught Me

Why do you suppose we think our parents are idiots when we are teens but as we grow into adults we realize just how wise they truly are? Think of all the heartache and trouble we could’ve missed out on if we would have listen to their words of advice and caution.

The older I get, the more I realize just how much my parents knew what they were talking about. I have been blessed with wonderful parents who have imparted so much to me, and I’m so grateful for them.

When I stop and think about it, there are 3 very valuable lessons that my parents have taught me…

• Help Others.

My parents are always doing things for other people. They like inviting people over for a meal, taking families to the airport at the crack of dawn, tinkering on someone’s car, helping with a renovation project, mowing the grass for a neighbor or blowing snow out of people’s driveways in the blustering cold (they live in Minnesota so this happens about 6 months out of the year) J

When I was younger, I remember a man coming up to my dad, asking for money. My dad gave this gentleman some cash. I asked my dad why he gave money to someone when he had no idea how that man would use it. What if he didn’t really need it or what if he went and bought drugs or alcohol with it? My dad taught me a lesson that day. He simply said, “A gift is a gift. Once you give it you don’t have control over it anymore.” I have taken that piece of advice and put it into practice over and over again. My parents taught me how to love others by serving them and meeting their needs.

• Family Sticks Together.

I learned at a very early age the importance of family. I’m an only child, but my mom has 9 siblings….I have 24 first cousins! And pretty much everyone lived within a 40 mile radius. We were together all the time. I used to laugh ad say that our family got together to celebrate ingrown toenails. J Seriously, though, our family has been through some tough times throughout the years and overall, we’ve been there for one another, we’ve encouraged one another, we’ve celebrated in the joys of life and cried together during the tragedies. When I was only seventeen, I discovered that I was pregnant. While at first, the news was devastating, my family handled the situation with love and grace and they supported me and they loved my daughter with all their hearts. I wasn’t shunned or expected to handle the situation on my own, my parents and extended family came alongside me and encouraged me. Family sticks together in the good times and the difficult times.

• Learn to Laugh.

My parents, especially my crazy dad, taught me to not take life too seriously. Dad always has a one liner and has a way to lighten up most situations. I think this is an important life lesson. Life is hard, let’s face it. Things don’t always go as we planned and that can throw us for a loop. I’ve learned that it’s important to remember to find laughter throughout the day. Release some of the tension that life brings. Laugh at yourself sometimes. Laugh with others. Get others to crack a smile. Laughter heals. My parents taught me that laughter is good medicine.

Sitting down and writing out this list of what I’ve learned from my parents made me realize just how much they taught me. I encourage you to take a moment and think about what life lessons your parents have taught you. Pretty amazing, considering they didn’t know anything when we were younger, right? Thanks, Mom and Dad, for all you have taught me and for investing so much time, energy, love and support to me all my life. I’m forever grateful.