Meet the Parents

My day started with a phone call to my dad. Well, actually, it started at with a cup of coffee and my Bible (the two go so well together), and then a call to dad. But that's beside the point. Anyway, my conversation with my dad got me thinking that it's time to introduce you to two of the most important people in my life.

Meet my parents:

Aren't they cute?

I didn't tell them I was writing a post about them (sorry mom and dad!), so hopefully they're okay with this.

My parents each have lots of great qualities. And I think I received perhaps the most interesting combination of their genes -- a combination that sometimes manifests itself in less than ideal ways. Read on, you'll understand.

-For starters, people look at me and immediately know I'm a Bruxvoort. It's the eyes...or something like that. I got my mom's petite build, though. Except for my legs. She likes to point out that I have my father's legs (read: runner's thighs). So I'm this mix of Bruxvoort/De Ronde all rolled up into one little Dutch girl who has a hard time finding jeans that fit. 

-I got my mom's Type A personality, but my dad's more emotional and passionate outlook on things. Believe me, both of those qualities are great on each of them individually, but together, they can be dangerous.

-I got my mom's musical appreciation and (I used to think) my dad's athleticism. Now I realize that I'm not really that athletic. I just run. Because running doesn't require much coordination (although I have almost fallen on a treadmill...more than once). 

All that aside, I should tell you why my parents are so great.

They are hardworking, selfless and generous. They loved me, my brother and sister in a way that so many kids never knew from their parents. I took an Attachment Theory class last fall (maybe my favorite class of all time) and realized just how privileged I was in regard to how unconditionally and steadfastly my parents cared for me. They nurtured and loved me through years that probably weren't always enjoyable (I was a pretty unpleasant baby and eventually turned into an extremely awkward and annoying preteen. Believe me, they have the home videos to prove it, and like to use them as blackmail material). They've had unending patience with me.

My mom and dad have always been my biggest cheerleaders. They've allowed me to make my own decisions (good or bad), and loved me through the outcomes. They've believed in me in a way that I can't even begin to thank them for. At one point in my college years -- I think I was nursing a broken heart at the time -- I remembering having the most meaningful conversation I've ever had with my dad. He may not even remember it, but I'll never forget his words. As I mourned what I thought was lost love, he held me and told me he loved me. He told me how great he thought I was. He told me what he saw for my future. He told me he thought I would do great things someday, and to not let anything hold me back. He told me he was proud of me. He gave me freedom to be different. To do go different places and do different things. To dream really big. To chase my dreams and passions wherever they would lead me.

It may be hard to find a man who can learn to love me as much as my dad loves me.

As I meander my way into adulthood, I've started to appreciate my parents in new ways. I may like to think I'm independent and self-reliant, but the truth is, I still need their wisdom and support more than ever before.

In case it's not obvious to you yet, I love my parents. I am so blessed.

Thanks mom and dad, for seeing me through 22 years of life. I'll never outgrow the need for you.