Thursday, February 26, 2009

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!

12 comments:

Jenners said...

Visiting from Mama Kat's...

When you have a happy childhood, it is hard to totally appreciate all that your parents did for you until you are older. This was lovely to read and I'm always glad when I hear about someone who had great parents and grew up with love!

Achtung! (I don't really know much German.)

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

I am glad you know how lucky you are. Good job!

Michelle said...

Ahhh, I hope they get to read your post. So sweet.

El Padrino said...

lucky sumbitch

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful childhood story. I have a feeling that your parents know how much you love and appreciate them!

Melissa said...

Sounds like your parents were very good to you!! We often forget to thank our parents for all they did... as, I hope my kids will do for me one day!!

Heatherlyn said...

Parents significantly sculpt the tenor of our childhood. You are blessed that your parents gave you so many opportunities to grow in so many ways!

Kristen said...

Great post. As I read everyone's childhood memories I can visualize how they spents their days. I love it...Thank you for sharing.

KatBouska said...

I'm going to force my kids to appreciate me NOW. I will demand it. I was such a brat to my mom, but was always to selfish to see all she did for us so I can really relate.

Superstar said...

Im sorry, did you just ask out someone??? hehehehehe...

That is the sweetest story...

schue said...

Oh honey, that was so sweet!