My parents

In March my sister Lindsay came to visit. She lives in Florida so we don't get to see her very much. She came last year when Michael was really sick but I didn't get to see her very much because I was at the hospital. So this visit was so much nicer. We kept really busy so the kids wouldn't get bored. One of the days all of the sisters met at the studio and had Michael take our picture. It was fun. Michael also took a picture of my mom and dad. Out of the pictures the one above is my favorite. I was looking at it the other day and I was reflecting on how the picture made me feel. When I look at it, it makes me happy. The picture exactly describes their relationship. They love each other and laugh together. They both taught me how to be a strong, independent woman. My parents struggled with me when I was growing up. They didn't understand my emotions and my struggles, but they still loved me. They always wanted and still want what is best for me. Even though we butted heads while I was younger I couldn't of asked for better parents suited for me. When Michael was really sick last year my dad was the first one I called. The doctor told me what was wrong with Michael and I didn't understand it. I needed my dad to help me understand it. When I talked to him on the phone that day he started to ask me questions about Michael's condition and I couldn't answer his questions. I remember finally saying to him, "Dad I can't do this myself, I need you." He dropped everything and came. He never left my side that night or even that week. I watched him as he cried really hard with me. He felt my pain and I knew he wanted to take it away but couldn't. He dropped me off that night at my house with my mom and gave me a blessing. I don't remember what he said but I remember feeling peace. I also remember the next morning at 4 in the morning I called my parents and my dad answered, he came immediately to be by my side. I'll never forget that. I hope I give my boys that same devotion and love that my dad gives to each one of us girls. My dad called my mom when he got to the hospital with me. My mom came and never left. I knew she wanted to make it all better for me, but felt helpless that she couldn't. Even though she felt helpless she never gave up in trying to comfort me. She hugged me, kissed me, gave me encouraging words and left me to be by myself when I needed to. I watched my mom as she cried huge tears for Michael, true love she has for that man. Both of my parents give me strength and confidence sometimes I don't even know I have. I hope I can help my boys have that strength and confidence too. I couldn't have made it last year without them, or even my sisters or my friends. This picture means even more to me that Michael was here on this earth to take it. If Michael wouldn't have been here I wouldn't be able to enjoy this picture of them. I love my parents and my family with all of my heart. They mean more to me now than ever. I am truly blessed. The picture below is my favorite picture of Michael and I. When I look at it, it brings me joy, the same joy I feel when I look at my parents picture. I'm beyond over joyed to have Michael still here to be in pictures with me.