HOW MY PARENTS RAISED
ME
My parents never found
it necessary to mold me into anything
that they wanted me to be. Aside from
wanting me to grow into an intelligent, kind-hearted person, my
parents let me be who I wanted to be. They really let me plant my
own seed and flourish into the young adult that I am. Some
might judge me, my family, and their lenient parenting style. As
for me, however, I am so thankful.
The majority of my life
was spent growing up in a town where everyone lived with the same
morals. While I share some of these morals, they're mine because I
chose for them to be, not because they were force-fed down my
throat. If this isn't how you were raised, I understand, but I am
also sorry.
I don't think I would be
as open minded and comfortable in my own skin if it weren't for my
parents. The first memory I have of my them really letting me be
myself is when, at maybe four, I got to dress myself for dinner.
Despite how embarrassed my brother, who was probably fourteen, was,
I went out with my family in a Cinderella dress, plastic heels and
all. The idea of forming my own thoughts, beliefs, and personal
traits let me be me instead of a carbon copy
of my mom or dad. Admittedly, I am just like my father. I have
squinty blue eyes and love all things vintage and antique. In ways,
I am also just like my mother. We don't look a lot alike, aside
from our stature, but we most definitely share the same
humor.
With this being said,
thank you, mom and dad. Thank you for raising three children who
are all unique in their own ways and do things all differently.
Thank you for growing a family that is diverse and accepting. Thank
you for never making me feel like I had to live up to any kind of
phony standard or in a box. Thank you for raising me as
who I wanted to
be.