Week 16: My parents

This week I am grateful for my parents.

A photo of my parents taken at my wedding in 1996

I am very grateful that I have a Mum and Dad. And that they are loving, caring, generous people.

They may not have told me that the loved me all the time, but I knew from their hugs and kisses that they loved me.

My two brothers and I grew up in the one house, which is a rarity in today's society. Back in 1970 my parents paid $11,000 for a block of land in Sydney's Western Suburbs where they built our childhood home.

My parents didn't have a lot of money, so couldn't always afford the best or latest toys, clothes, shoes etc. But they worked hard and saved their money so us kids wouldn't go without. No matter how small or little the present, we always received one at Christmas and on our birthday. And were never left hungry or cold.

So many people take their parents for granted, or don't appreciate them until one day it's too late, and they are no longer here.

Dad will be turning 85 soon. Last year he was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer, which came as a shock to us all. He is in remission now, but it still plays on his mind a lot. We are keeping our fingers crossed it doesn't come back.

He has various health problems, but suffers from terrible tinnitus, and industrial deafness the worst. The constant ringing in his ears and hammering noise his head, makes it very difficult for Dad to sit and chat to people, he now avoids large get togethers because of it.

Mum has been caring for Dad as best as she can, but has days when she is drained and tired.

Mum is turning 70 later this year. She has aged dramatically in the past 10 years, partially due to her being with an older husband, Dad is 15 years older, but also due to her own health problems. Being the only daughter, I have forged a close relationship with her. I hope that one day my girls will have a close relationship with me, like I have with my Mum.

It's sad seeing them age and not remember things quite as well as they used to, and only talk about their health problems.

There are some people who are so uncaring towards their parents, and who are so self absorbed with their own family, they forget about their parents and what their parents have done for them.

Unfortunately, this is something that has hit close to home for both my husband and myself.

For me, I will be forever grateful to my parents...they gave me life, they continue to give me love and support, and are there whenever I need them. When growing up they put a roof over my head, clothes on my back and food in my tummy. They encouraged me with my studies, and trusted me enough to let me go out with friends at night.

I love you Mum and Dad.
xxoo