Epiphany! *cue the heavenly music*

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about being a parent. What does it mean? I mean, physically, ANY idiot can MAKE & then DELIVER a baby but does that make them a parent? In my humble opinion it does not. I do not think that having the ability and taking the responsibility are even in the same deck of cards. I don't believe that "parents" fit in a box...I do not think that there needs to be ONE female and ONE male (either the ones who created the life or otherwise) I also do not think that they need to be a certain age, religion or economic status. I do not believe just because someone lives with his or her biological 'parents' until they are old enough to be on their own that they then get handed the parent card. I used to think that my parents really screwed me up. They weren't there enough, weren't THERE enough, they fought too much and then gave up on their marriage, they were too strict, not strict enough, should have done a million and one things different but now, from a parents perspective, I realize this: No matter what they did wrong OR even what they did right what makes them my parents is that WHEN IT REALLY MATTERED/S they were/are there. When I need to cry, vent, when I am sick or scared they are here. They are here for me NOW they are here for their grandchildren NOW! Forgetting the past isn't easy, of course they made mistakes, we ALL do but to know that if I need them right now I can call them no matter what time day or night makes me feel so blessed, so loved, so filled with inspiration to be the very best PARENT that I can be to my own kids. I will never turn my back on them. I may not like all the choices that they make but I will work my hardest to teach them commonsense and good problem solving skills so that no matter who they turn out to be or who they decide to be WITH that I will ALWAYS love and support them!!! So for all that you guys did right and all that you could have done differently THANK YOU Mom, Dad & Charlotte, Aunt Jude, Uncle Ralph, Grammy, Grampy, Nan & Poppy for the most invaluable lessons in parenting & life!! You all are my world! I love you all so much and cherish all the days that we have had & hope to continue to grow and learn from all that you still have to teach me!