Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Take The Time To Thank Your Parents

The title says it all: be sure to thank your parents for everything they've done.

College is a time of independence. It is that point in your life where you are "leaving the nest" and moving out into the real world. I'm sure a lot of us were the ones who couldn't wait to get out of the house and leave the parental units. I know I was! But it did not really occur to me until recently how much I had actually learned from them. I have seen many people already completely wasted and blacking out and finding themselves on the beach the next morning, people getting arrested for stupid acts, and even people having to go the hospital to get their stomach pumped! I look at these people with amazement. I feel a little bit sorry for them, but moreover it makes me thankful that my parents raised me to be the person I am now.

It's true, we have all fought with our parents, said things we did not mean, do things we regretted later, but when you look at the big picture, it was these experiences and learning from your mistakes that helped shape you to be the person you are today. And who helped us every step of the way? Our parents.

So if you have not already, thank your parents. They might not be perfect, but they sure as hell helped get you to where you are today, especially since we are the fortunate ones to have been able to go to college and get into this university.

Thanks Kevin Pham for the inspiration to write this.

6 comments:

  1. Great post. I couldn't agree more man. Many young adults, especially our age, take for granted just how much our parents do for us (or at least what decent, loving parents do for us) . They worked and continue to work so hard to get their children in the position we are in now, a position to succeed and I am just so thankful to them for that and truly love them unconditionally. It pains me to see some kids talk back at their parents, calling them vulgar names or literally screaming at them in public. And to the other extreme where some parents do everything for their kid and end up spoiling them, making them rotten little...things (i wanted to say something else but i don't wanna risk losing points!). Things who never even acknowledge or call the people who give their all to make them happy. It just saddens me. I mean, they raised didn't they? They took care of us. And the microscopically least thing we can do for them is to thank them. I agree. Next time I go back home, I will make sure to thank my parents for everything they've done for me and will continue to seize the opportunity I have here in college. Thank you for the post.

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  2. So true! I used to get so angry with my parents when they would keep me on such a tight leash. But I realize now they were only trying to protect me. And, being away in college, has made me realize this completely. I always remember my mom telling me when I was mad at her, "I can't wait until the day you thank me for being strict". That day has finally come! Our parents really do know what's best for us and only want us to succeed. I think most young adults who transition into college come to realize this very quickly. And those of us who were brought up right and taught right from wrong will be able to succeed more, thanks to our parents! Rico made a good point about the way some kids treat their parents in public. Where has all the respect gone?? I'm going to call and thank my parents right now!! Thanks to all the parents who want the best for their kids and let them learn so they don't make those mistakes.. This is a great post, hopefully it will really open up readers' eyes, and more parents will get the thanks they deserve!

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  3. Thanks for your opinions guys!

    Quick correction, it was Kyle Pham who gave me the inspiration, not Kevin Pham.

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  4. Great point. I really do appreciate all that my parents have done for me. Now that I look back on all the misfits I have done and the stress I placed upon my parents, I understand how much of a burden I was. I was nothing short of a typical child but some of the things I complained about just seem inappropriate now. “I don’t like the mashed potatoes touching the green beans.” What an annoying thing to say. If I heard myself say something like that now, I would wash my own mouth out with soap. I do try to keep in touch with my parents so they understand my appreciation. Great post! Looking forward to more upcoming ones. By the way, thanks for the recognition.

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  5. This is totally true; as is everything everyone else has said. Whenever I see someone who is doing something stupid, I say to the person I'm with that that person was not hugged enough by their parents. I used to hate that my mom would be so affectionate and care about me enough to make rules for me, but now that I have seen what would have happened had I not had her or my dad to just tell me they loved me, I am beyond grateful. I feel bad for all those kids, they got the crappy parents, and we are very blessed.

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  6. I thank the heavens for my parents each and every day. Sure they drive me up the wall on more than one occasion but it was because of them that I am in this world today. In all honesty, I feel as if I have nothing to complain about concerning my parents, simply because I HAVE parents that care enough to nag at me. I think about the kids who don’t know what it’s like to have parents, along with those people out there that are neglected by their moms and dads. In the end I always come to the conclusion that I’m blessed. Thanks for the great blog post! It’s a great and wonderful reminder to us all~!

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