My Parents

My parents are not exactly the most tech-savvy individuals, if you know what I mean. So, when I told them that I was starting a blog about my journey as a teacher on Pine Ridge, they had no idea what I meant. It still amuses me to think of all the explanation that was required in order to ensure that they could access this webpage. But of all the things I have since taught my parents to do on the internet, posting comments on my blog is not one of them. Why not, you ask? I think part of it was because they told me their comments over the phone during our daily conversations. If they posted them straight to my blog, I couldn't actually censor them :). But yesterday I broke down and walked my mamma through the simple steps, knowing that she would find great pleasure in posting ornery comments! And sure enough, one of the first things my mom had to say to me today was that she wanted to post a comment on my blog yesterday, but she couldn't think of anything to say that wasn't cheeky! I laughed really hard and this got me to thinking about my parents a little more.

I love my parents--a lot. In fact, I have encountered very few individuals indeed who are as close with their parents as I am. They are two truly unique individuals that I have not met the likes of in all my travels. In fact, I decided to make a list of some of the things I love about them. So mamma and daddy--this is for you.

Daddy:

1) I love how you reach out to all people. I have never met a person who reached out to strangers as often as you.
2) I love the way you willingly lend a hand to everybody and their brother despite the fact that you have more than enough work to do at home, never asking for payment in return.
3) I love your faith. Have I seen such faith in any other?
4) I love the way you rub your hands together after you have told a deliciously lame joke.
5) I love how you love my students so much that you stay awake at night thinking about ways for me to better reach them.
6) I love that you taught me how to work hard.
7) I love that you can still beat all the younger guys.
8) I love how you came to all my games and even my practices. You were as much a part of basketball for me as the rim.
9) I love that you taught me that the Brendsel's are too stupid to know when to quit.
10) I love that you are proud of me.

Mamma

1) I love your sense of humor. No one on this planet can make me laugh as hard as you can.
2) I love your generous heart. You give when it hurts and then give some more.
3) I love how you cry when you hear about the suffering of others, despite the fact that they are often thousands of miles from you.
4) I love it when you come home.
5) I love how you buy things in bulk just because you know that I once liked them.
6) I love how you love me unconditionally. Never in my whole life have I ever doubted that you loved me.
7) I love how all my life you have fought for me in so many ways.
8) I love how you pray for my husband.
9) I love how I if I go a single day without talking with you (and daddy through you), I feel it as keenly as if I skipped eating.
10) I love how I always feel like Jesus is hugging me when you hold me.

I love you two,

Brittany