I'm #thankfulfor my parents

I'm #thankfulfor my parents, their love, support, encouragement, patience, forgiveness and sacrifices...this a letter I wrote to them last year.



November 8, 2008

My dear parents,

There aren't any words to describe the love, respect and appreciation I have for you. There has never been a moment when I did not know that you loved me with all your heart and would always love me. You have always put me first and I am honored to have you as my parents.

You have made sacrifices so that I would have this, that or the other thing. You have risen early, stayed up late, worked long hours for 6-7 days a week. You have done it all and I know it was for me, and I thank you.

When I think back over my life, my mind wanders to walks on our property, deer feeding in our yard, laundry on the line and being together as a family. I'm reminded of three square meals, seven days a week and weekends exploring museums, historical sites and parks. I'm reminded of Redskins games, boxing matches and Flip Wilson, Real People and The Gong Show.

I'm reminded of Mount Hope, a bus shelter, Mrs. Willet and ANS. How appropriate this week, as I remember going to Nanjemoy Elementary with you to vote.

I remember thunder storms, losing power and diving in the middle. I remember heavy quilts and handmade blankets; I remember a window unit, baseboard heat and never-ending sweet well water. I remember a gravel right-of-way, a circle, a white frame that became brick one summer. I remember two bedrooms and hall with a light that stayed on all night. I remember a blue bathroom and kitchen cabinets with see-thru doors. I recall snow cream, a garden and Shaft.

I remember 143-C Maryland Point Road, Nanjemoy, MD 20662, 5437 Call Place, SE and 1620 Mass Avenue, SE as places of safety, love, joy and laughter. I remember oatmeal, PB &J, fried chicken, crispy fried fish and crabs, crabs & crabs. I'm reminded of quiet nights, bright mornings, laurel, heat bugs, azaleas, a tire swing and volleyball/badminton net. I remember two yellow walls, two blue walls, red carpet, a twin bed with Popeye sheets and a cedar chest and a cedar closet.

I'm reminded of the white Pinto, the red Pinto, the station wagon, the blue car (from Jesse), the blue Pinto with the sunroof, the Maverick, the gray car, the brown car, the BIG Buick and the burgundy Chrysler. I remember Walt Disney World, the World’s Fair, the county fairs and festivals, fests & street parties (Cherry Blossom, Greek, Kennedy Center Jazz & Open House, Taste of DC, Dance Place, etc.). There were theatre workshops & performance, modeling classes & fashion shows, flute lessons and swimming lessons. I remember a play and another girl was Betsy Ross and I knew her lines better than she did; I remember winning a Best Supporting Actress Award in high school; and I'm reminded of cheerleading in the sun and rain.

I remember Monopoly, spades and Uno. I remember hide-n-go seek, jump rope, freeze tag, and hop scotch on Cappy Avenue. I'm reminded of surprise birthday parties for Melvin & Chauncey and Sam. I remember pig roasts, house parties, DJs, cook-outs, reunions, births, weddings, surgeries and funerals. I remember Easters and Christmases with George, Reava, Lucy & Jesse; I remember New Year's Eve with Lucy and Jesse and I remember riding the bus with Reava to Atlanta, Orlando, and Reading.

I remember Uncles Jeter, Joe (Philips), John & Hartwell, cousin Philip, down home Sue, Aunt Dot (Mouton) with the bright smile, Mr. & Mrs. King and Aunt Laura to name a few. I remember Uncles Brewster, Melvin, Rubin, Garfield and Walter and Aunts Pearl, Maude, Willie Mae and Kat. I remember Shirley & George (Atwater), Effie (Johnson), Ann (Nickens), Rusty & Tink. Most of all I remember Mary, George, Reava and Lucy and I miss them. I thank these last four, plus Lloyd, who imparted love, wisdom and knowledge into you that you would pour it into me.

All in all, I remember a life of love, care, compassion, laughter, learning, kindness and sharing. I could not have prayed for better parents; while I may never fully realize all that you have done for me, the dreams you gave up, the hopes you let fade or the goals you neglected, know that I am forever grateful and thankful to God for giving me to you.

Love,
Shannon

P.S.: Mother, you are a woman of incomparable strength, grace, love, compassion and style, and I would count myself fortunate to be half the woman you are today. When Reava asked if you thought you were Jackie Kennedy, she wasn’t only talking about fashion.

Daddy, you are a man’s man and I’m proud to carry your family name. I hope I am as dependable, kind, supportive and respectful to others as the example you put before me. I know the random acts of kindness you’ve performed for others were repaid in strangers acts of kindness to me.