I have been able to really overcome so many obstacles in the relationships with both of my parents. Yet there is still a strain in those relationships. I struggle and battle with those things daily. I can allow the would’ve should’ve and could’ve to run through my head. How I wish that our relationships were better. How I long to connect with them on an emotional level. But one thing I never really say is
“I am glad I still have them” We may not agree completely or have a solid connection. But they are still here with me and I really need to learn how to be grateful that I still have them and I can still work on our relationships.
I feel like there have been many moments that GOD has given me to remind me to be grateful I still have my parents.
I have a photography friend who lost her mom when she was a teenager. Teenage life is a time of really learning who you are and to lose your mom during that time would be so hard. That was over 15 years ago for her. She has recently gotten married and had 2 children. I can only imagine how she feels not having her mom there for her to share those special moments.
I have another friend who lost her dad a few days before he was to walk her down the aisle. I can’t imagine dreaming of that moment and then getting so close to it happening and then it never happens. It just breaks my heart to even think about it.
Recently it has hit closer to home. I have had an aunt and an uncle pass away in the last 15 months. To see cousins younger than me struggling with the loss of their parents just breaks my heart. It really puts it into perspective.
I may struggle with communication, validation, a proclamation from my parents. But what I need to realize is that my parents do love me. It may not be the way I relate to love. It is the way they communicate.
