Good morning!
I saw this question in the September issue of Real Simple and thought it was a good one for CNC. I’m grateful for all sorts of nice things my mom did for me over the years, and I know you guys probably feel the same way about your parents, so I thought today’s post would be a good opportunity to share why we are thankful.
My mom has done lots nice things for me in my 33 years of life, but I’ll start with the obvious ones first.
She gave birth to me. Thanks, Mom!
She let me live in her house for 18 years and clothed and fed me.
She went to all of my soccer games, tennis matches, band concerts, dance recitals, awards ceremonies, and school musicals, despite being a single parent and working two jobs.
She helped me pay for college. During my senior year, she also gave me money for rent and groceries, which were not covered by my generous financial aid package, when I wanted to live off-campus with my friends, and my waitressing and work study jobs just wouldn’t cut it.
She gave me away on my wedding day. (At the alter, she told Mal: “No backsies,” but I’ve forgiven her for that.)
Obviously, my mom has done a lot of nice things for me, but one gesture, in particular, still sticks in my mind after all of these years.
From 8th grade to the summer before my junior year of high school, I dated a guy named Bryan, who was two years older than me. He was my first love and my first real boyfriend.
When Bryan left for college, we broke up and I was a total mess””completely and utterly heartbroken. I still remember the morning he left. He stopped by my house to say goodbye, and I just fell apart. I honestly thought my life was ruined, and I would never fall in love again. (Oh, the mind of a 16-year-old.)
Needless to say, my junior year got off to a rocky start. I remember lots of crying and spending a lot of time alone in my bedroom listening to depressing music and looking at photos and reminiscing about good times with my now ex-boyfriend. I was mopey, moody, and so, so sad.
One night when my mom got home from work, she came into my room and handed me a small paper bag with something inside. My mom hardly ever bought gifts for my sister and me out of the blue””she pretty much stuck to birthdays and holidays for things like that””so it was definitely a surprise. Inside was No Doubt’s “Tragic Kingdom” album. A few days earlier, I mentioned how much I liked No Doubt and my mom remember and bought their CD to cheer me up.
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This little gesture might not seem like a big deal to some people, but, at the time, it was exactly what I needed. It was a nice reminder that someone cared and loved me when I was hurting so much inside. The music also lifted my spirits and helped me forget about Bryan (at least temporarily).
Question of the Day
What’s the nicest thing your parent(s) have ever done for you?
P.S. Check out my newest post on The Laughing Cow blog: Make Cheesy Snacks Sweeter This September!