He died nine years ago and I still feel like we had so much “unfinished business.” The older I get (which I did this month, as well), I appreciate all that he and my mother did for me.

My poor parents. I think back to my childhood from a parent’s perspective now and realize the sacrifices they made for me and my siblings. My father’s job had us moving pretty often and I think about how my mom had to re-set up house every two years in a new city, state, and sometimes, country. Also, there is a sixteen-year gap between the oldest child and the youngest in my family. My parents had the arduous task of raising teenagers in three different decades: the ’60’s, ’70’s and ’80’s! Not to mention the day-to-day issues accompanied by having five children.

As I have grown up, I realize that while none of our lives are perfect, I can honestly say that my siblings and I have turned out to be pretty decent human beings. While we all have our crosses to bear, I believe our parents equipped us with the basics in life to succeed: unconditional love, boundaries, a belief in God, and a sense of family. For this, and countless other lessons and sacrifices, I absolutely give them major props (Mom, that means “proper respect”!) I love you both immensely and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Happy Birthday, Dad!