Parents

Fortunately, my parents always encouraged me to be grateful that I was healthy, and stand up and be proud and carry myself with dignity. ~ Susan Anton.

Just dropped my parents off at the airport a few minutes ago and I'm missing them horribly already. You see, they live in Nigeria and come here about once a year to check up on their brood. They didn't make it in last year....This is the first time in 2 years that I actually got to spend ALOT of 1:1 time with them.

A whole whopping week, looking ahead, it seemed like an eternity but now it's gone by in a second. Seems like they just flew in a couple of days ago. I didn't miss them alot when they weren't here for 2 years....I got by, I was fine. Now I'm reminded once again of what I'm going to miss.

First of all, my mom's cooking. Now I can throw down in the kitchen with the best of them, but when she gets in the kitchen she lays down the law. I have never been able to make such savory dishes, delicious courses that she just cooks up in minutes with no cookbook or recipe. If I could cook like my mom, I'd be set for life!

Second, as interfering and as nosy as they can be, I will miss the advice. It's sound advice, as much as I don't want to take it...after all, they have been through most life experiences and have learned the hard way alot of the lessons they just pass on to me. Now if only I could apply the lessons...but NOooooo! I must go my own hardheaded way.

Third, the stories. I come from a family of storytellers and I managed to retain the art. My dad must have told 743 different tales, anecdotes, jokes, stories while he was here and in each one I learned alot more of my background and heritage. I was surprised that he has so many stories that I haven't even heard yet! We had built-in entertainment.

Ok, enough listing. Just savoring the memories till next year.