Led by Example

DAY 5: my parents

Mom, I’m sorry. I know you don’t like it when I write about you. I’ll try to be as careful and short winded as possible. 

I’m going to focus this on things my parents taught me, because to me, my parents epitomize those values.

Some Things My parents taught me (verbally, but maybe more by example):

The work you’re supposed to do isn’t usually glamorous; sometimes it’s even thankless. And that’s okay. You don’t need a tangible reward for everything you do. 

Do whatever you find to do. If you notice something that needs doing, do it. This is one thing I think I’m not as good at as I used to be.

Give everything you have. And I’m not talking about money, or even things. Give your life. Give yourself. And if you don’t get enough sleep or get to do all the things you want to do for yourself, that’s okay.

My parents showed me how to be unselfish. BTT’s parents embody this trait too, and BTT and I feel like we can never live up to both our parents’ high standards of giving and unselfishness. 

My parents made sure we weren’t stuck in any boxes in our growing up years. They immersed us in another culture and lifestyle for 5 years. They  took us travelling through different cities in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and a few Canadian and US ones as well. This way, My parents encouraged us to expand our worldview and look beyond our culture to understand the world and its people.

Then, once we’d moved back to Canada for good, they became foster parents. This is one of the greatest gifts my parents have ever given me. I would not have become the person I am today if I had never known and loved the children who came to us. S and K would not be part of our family today if we hadn’t had the privilege of caring for S through the foster care system when she was tiny. My parents taught me to love without restraint, even when it breaks your heart.