I Learned Almost Everything I Know From My Parents

I Never Saw It Before

It is true

The taught me my basic principles of life

Even though I have grown

I have never strayed from the ground rules

Influenced in many ways

At a very young age

They gave me the foundation of everything I learned after that

Even if I thought they were wrong

I have had many years to see it in a different light

I know they always had my best interest at heart

They would do anything to make sure my brothers and me

Stayed safe and did the right things

They were not concerned with the material things

We did not have a lot of things other people had

Our neighbors had built ground in pools,vacation homes and mini bikes

We learned to take care of what we did own

We were reminded if we broke something

We would not get another

At different times we had some really cool stuff

We had a plastic swimming pool and a swing set when we were young

A screen house and a garden as we got older

Living in one of the smallest houses in the city

We learned to make do

My father worked one job

Only later when we were older

My mother got a job

My father was not very happy

He thought it would change the dynamics of the house

How right he was

From the littlest thing to the biggest change

We always worked together as a family

If it was painting the house

Shoveling out the driveway in the winter

Cutting the grass

Planting the garden

Watering the plants and making them grow

Years of lessons

Years of learning

Life unfolding before our eyes

To lead us to this day

When we have to make it on our own

Comments

DREAM ON (author) on July 07, 2021:

BRENDA ARLEDGE I am always thinking how life could have been different? If I traveled more? If I tried different jobs? What could I have become? I am a short-order cook. There are many things I like about the job and there are just as many things I don't like about my job. I am 57 and until last week I thought I was 56. Somewhere I forgot a year. I have been gardening since I was small. I misplace my garden tools all the time. These are only a few examples of just one more day in my life. It is not like I leave them all around in my yard. I start one project and then off to another one. Each idea takes time. I do my best and if that is all that I can get done. So be it. I try other ways. Express me in my writings. I keep having so much fun. Thank you for commenting and giving where it counts.

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on July 07, 2021:

Great write.

Our parents fo guide us along the way.

We often don't realize it along the way.

DREAM ON (author) on July 07, 2021:

Marlene Bertrand When I was young I was too busy being a kid to realize what I had and now that it is gone you can't go back. I guess it is all part of growing up. I had many years of playing with friends and never had to worry about bills or adult stuff. I think my father thought there is plenty of time enough for that later. He showed me things and I wonder if I ever knew the value. My mother was a good cook and I wish I spent more time learning her recipes. She made the simplest dishes fun. She kept the house clean and took care of us when we were sick. My dad went to work and I don't remember him ever saying he was tired or didn't like work. Maybe he just shared that with my mother. It is never too late we can always learn from each other. Maybe the little bits and pieces are just enough. We learn as we go. Hi ho, hi ho, it is off to work we go. Thank you for reading and taking the time to care. Thirty-four hours later and I keep trying to bring a little more happiness to each moment. Pleasant dreams.

Marlene Bertrand from USA on July 06, 2021:

Growing up, I took my parents for granted. Now, I realize all the stuff we did as a family was preparation for living life on my own, as you rightfully say.