to them...

Today, I just feel like honoring them with a little post so bear with me sharing a little piece of my heart with you guys.

I'm sure when you go from a great friendship to a fun romance, then, to having three kids really quickly it is a huge life adjustment! I know it wasn't always easy. I know there were times when they were shocked at how hard it was. I know now, more than ever, that it must have taken so much work to maintain a marriage, and a home, and three children. I know there were times when you wanted to hit the road.

I know that, sometimes, they were broke. I know that they had to try to keep smiles on their faces so that we wouldn't know. I know that they had to hide it when they were scared to death because they wanted the best for us. I know that they always gave us everything they possibly could even when, sometimes, they probably couldn't.

I know that other people might call what we had dysfunctional. I know that other people might look in and have critiques and criticisms. However, I know that they loved us and still do with all of their hearts. I know that they never did anything to hurt us. I know that there were lots of sacrifices and sleepless nights on their parts. I know that there were tons of tears. I know that we haven't always seemed thankful or respectful or appreciative. I know that that probably made it harder for them to continue giving and giving and giving!


I also know that we loved hard in that house. I know that we laughed hard. I know that we smiled often. I know we all have each others' backs when it comes down to it and that is because of them. Because of how they raised us. I know that my brothers and I have always made mistakes. I do know though that my parents never left our sides. No matter what. No matter how much they disagreed. I know that we were raised with the fear of God and with the understanding of his love and mercy.

I know that we were shown what family is all about. I know that we were raised to take care of people and love them. I know that we were raised to know that nothing, NOTHING, comes before family.

I know that we all turned out great and I can't wait to see how much more we will all achieve in the years to come. I know that they will never stop worrying, pushing, loving, giving. I know that they will never stop praying. I know that they will always be the most amazing parents that I have ever known.

There is no other house that I would have rather grown up in. I know my brothers would agree.

And, today, I am a little homesick. I am missing them and what they brought to my daily life a little bit...well a lot. I know we have to grow up and make our own families. But, I miss that one. The one that they made. The one that they created. The one that they perfected.

I love these two people with all my heart and I thank them for creating and molding me into who I am today. I owe them so much more than I'll ever have. I hope they realize that.

And, if they read this, I hope it is just one more little "THANK YOU" for them to hold on to.



I love you Mom and Dad. I miss living there. I miss seeing you every day. I hope you know what you have done for Copeland, Blake, and I. I hope your realize that you did a damn good job. I hope you know we thank you, we appreciate you, we love you.

Ash