Today, after spending the majority of two days with Tom's family, especially his siblings visiting from out of state and out of country, they were so complimentary of me and things that I do. As I thought about these nice compliments for a moment, the thought came into my head, everything I am, I owe to my parents. My religion, my education, my talents, my kindness, my desire to do service, my friendliness, my honesty and integrity, my passion for life, my common sense, my ability to be a good mom, wife, sister, aunt, and friend, my love for culture and arts, my cooking skills, my ability to work hard, my family budgeting skills, my ability to express my love to others, and much much more are all because of my "goodly parents". I am just glad that of all the places I could have gone in this world, that I came to you.
When I think of you, I think of two people who, while they are not perfect, have fought the good fight their whole lives to make their marriage and their family last forever. When I think of you, I think of honesty and integrity, respect, responsibility, a duty to God, a great sense of self-worth, commitment to country, family, and religion, sacrifice, hard work, selfless and giving, disciples of Jesus Christ, wonderful parents and grandparents, sincere friends, and two people who I have never had to question what they believe, because they have never compromised their standards. There is so much more to that list and so much more that will follow in the years to come. You have truly given me the ability to be the best at everything that comes along in my life, and the desire to be the most honorable and wonderful version of myself.
Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice for me in every way. I am only beginning to understand, and I continue to understand more each day. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a mom to Abigail, Max, and Luke, where I am learning all of the things you did for me and all of the desires and hopes you had for me. Thank you for raising me in a nurturing and loving environment where I never truly had to want for anything, and where I was given every opportunity to succeed, especially when it meant sacrificing your own desires and dreams. You will never understand the gratitude I have or the far-reaching affects your sacrifice and love now have and will continue to have on generations to come. I only wish I could have realized sooner and been a little bit easier on you earlier on. You have been wonderful parents to me and you have no need for regret or wishing something could have been different, because having you as my parents has been the highlight of my life. My life has been full of love, joy and wonderful adventures which I will cherish forever. You are the parents that everyone hopes for, and that everyone deserves to have.
Thank you for all you have done for me and you continue to do for me. How did a girl get so lucky to have two wonderful parents and even better two of the greatest friends. Most of all thank you for raising me in the gospel, because it has been the greatest constant in my life and will bless my life and my families life for eternity. My testimony and knowledge and love for God that started out being nurtured in your home, is my greatest treasure, and it makes everything else in my life fall perfectly into place. I have been educated at the greatest University of all, my home, with the greatest teachers to guide me every step of the way. No university or amount of tuition can given me what I have been given and learned in my home, thank you for that.
TeriAnn
