Weekly Assignment

Lots of tempting assignment prompts from Mama Kat. I chose a tricky one - What made your childhood bearable? Write about it.

I guess it's tough to write about one thing that made my childhood bearable - in retrospect, I had a very good childhood. I was lucky enough to grow up with good friends and cousins - many, many memorable times. I probably could've posted a hundred blogs about the good times we had. But, truthfully, I can credit another "source" for making my childhood bearable.

My parents always gave me opportunities to have fun and grow as a person. In the summertime, my mom took me to the public pool we were members of almost every day. I learned to be a very good swimmer at an early age. I also made friends with lots of people because of the pool. So many great memories - playing underwater tag, drain tag, basketball, wiffleball ... pre-teen and teen splash parties. My summers were never boring.

My parents always made time for me with sports - My father often took me outside and had a catch with me, even after a long day of work. It was important to him to spend quality time with me, and it meant a lot to me. My parents spent much of their free time taking me to my boys club soccer, baseball, and basketball games. I never realized the investment they made at the time, but I am so grateful for these sacrifices.

Also, my parents made sure I was immersed in the German culture - taking me often to German clubs, teaching me German as a little tyke, and taking me on multiple trips to Germany throughout my childhood. Sure, at times, I would've rather have hung out with my friends, or watched tv, but I'm so glad they made me learn about my heritage.

I've never thanked my parents enough for all they've done for me as a child, and all they continue to do for me to this day. I love them so much, and they have been a huge influence in who I am today.

Vielen Dank, Mama und Papa! Ich liebe dich, beide!