Thankful. Part IV

When I was a child, my younger brother was getting all heated up at the dinner table in a conversation with my father and my dad was all chill and laid back.  My brother, exasperated, finally said, "Why is everything in your life such a joke???!!!"  My father raised his eyebrows at my brother, looked around the table, let out a sly grin and replied, "I only have three jokes in my life.  You. You. And You."  As he said that, he pointed at me and my two younger brothers.

We all sat there in silence.  No one was really sure what to say after that.  None of us really got it. 

But now?  Now I get it.

And I am thankful for these jokes that I have in my life.

Not like a joke as in something that I don't take seriously, but a joke as in something that makes me laugh.  And everyday these little people make me laugh.  Even on my worst day the girls will have a spur of the moment dance party in the living room and I laugh.  Or Quinn says something amazing, like today when he decided that he wanted his first name to be Log.  And then he told our waiter that his name was Log.  That's funny.  And even though I didn't really want to, I laughed.  A lot. 

Don't get me wrong, it is really, really hard work...this whole parenting business.  And a good 90% of the time I really, really don't know what I am doing.  So I should also say that I am thankful that 90% of the time the kids don't know that I don't know what I am doing.  See, it all works out in the end.

Just like I can't imagine my life without my parents, or without Chris, I can't envision a day without  my jokes.

Thankful. Part II

I am thankful for my aunt and uncle.  While my parents did an extraordinary job of being, you know, my parents...my aunt and uncle did an extraordinary job of being those people.  I knew that my parents had to love me.  They had to think I was great, beautiful, funny, smart, etc...because they were my parents.  So part of me kind of doubted when they told me those things.  But when Aunt Patti and Uncle Russ told me those things?  Weeellllll, that was a different story.  They weren't my parents and they still thought those things.  So it must be true.  You understand that logic, don't you?

So when I doubted my parents, I had these people to cheer me on.  To support me.  To lift me up.  And I think that every child should have people like that in their lives.

And speaking of people cheering me on...Let me tell you about this woman.

This is my Gram.  She is a woman who knows how to live life.  She laughs a lot.  And she helps me laugh a lot too.  And laughter is important.

I really wish that I had a picture of all four of my grandparents together, or at least two and two on my computer, because I have a hard time talking about Gram without thinking about Papa.  He teased me unmercifully.  It usually went something like this...
Papa:  I can't believe you're my granddaughter.  I have a dago for a granddaughter.  Sheesh.
Me:  You have hair growing in your ears.
Papa:  Dumb dago.
Me:  You also have hair growing off your nose.  Right there.  On your NOSE.
Papa:  You think that's funny, do ya?
Me:  Yeah.  I do.
Papa:  Well, I think its funny that I love you.

And then he would dance with me in the living room.  And then he would take Gram for a spin around the room while I sat on the couch and watched them.

And my dad's parents.  I could write a whole post just about them.  Seriously.  They taught me hard work, perseverance, having pride in being American.  They moved to this country from Italy and while they celebrated being Italian, eating Italian, speaking Italian and being members of the Italian club, they were also incredibly proud of their American family.

And then there is this girl...

Clearly I need a more recent picture of Molly and I.  This one is from last October...since then, she has lost quite a bit of weight (looks amazing!) and I have gained quite a bit of weight.  Eek!  But I am thankful for Molly...and for our friendship that has spanned almost 20 years.  Which is crazy, if you ask me.  Pure craziness.  But, she is one of those true, loyal friends...one that I know will be with me until the end.  The knowledge of that makes me feel incredibly blessed.  And thankful.

Disclaimer:  My life is really full of amazing people.  Truly.  And I don't have pictures of all of them.  So this post is somewhat lacking, and for that I apologize. 

Thankful. Part I

I am thankful for my parents.  All six of them.  

My mom and dad divorced when I was really young.  For a long time, I would imagine all of these crazy scenarios where they would get back together and my stepmom and stepdad would get married and live next door to us.  Crazy, I know.  But the fact was that no matter how badly I wanted a "normal" family, I also always wanted my stepparents to continue being a part of my life...a part of raising me and molding me into who I am today.  It feels strange to even type the words, stepmom, stepdad, stepparents...because they aren't step anything.  They are my parents in the same way that my mom and dad are.  And I can't imagine my life with their influences, their guidance, their love.

And now that I am an adult, I have no idea how my parents stayed together for as long as they did.  Really.  They are so completely opposite from one another.  Which, in turn, has made me a much more well rounded person.  

My mom and I talk on a daily basis.  Sometimes multiple times in a day.  If I have a joy or concern or need someone to laugh with or cry with...she is the first person that I call.  And I really don't know what I would do without her.  So let's not think about that.  Ok?  Ok.

Several years ago my world was rocked when my dad was diagnosed with cancer.  I have a hard time even typing that sentence without crying.  {Ugh.  Sheesh.  In a puddle over here.}  My dad is who I call when I need a laugh.  I get my ability to swear freely from him.  My dad also knows how to fix anything.  Seriously.  An.y.thing.  It's pretty amazing.  I also named my son after him (even prior to the whole cancer bit) because I love him.  Admire him.  Am proud of him. We have spent the past 26 years living 800 miles apart.  We talk often and it is always without bounds. 

 

{Don't you love how completely ridiculous my children look in this picture?  Awesome.}

I also consider Chris's parents to be my parents.  I can't tell you how many times I have called Sharon to ask her for opinions on parenting issues.  She is the first person I call when I have an illness question.  When Chan was cheering, there were several games when Ross went with me to support her while Chris was home with Quinn.  They are both amazing grandparents and amazing role models.

I am thankful for my parents.  All six of them.