52 Blessings: Parents

Dear Jane & Calvin,

Last week you reminded me of a funny detail, that I called you Jane and Calvin, rather than mom and dad, until I was almost three.  You said it was because I mimicked you, and that's what you called each other.

I have missed you today.  A similar feeling as when I used to head off to college; very lonely wondering who would take care of you... and who would take care of me.  I have also felt especially grateful for you today.  It seems a lot of the things you taught me when I was little have been resurfacing lately.  A specific lesson on prayer, a reprimand for lying, a blessing given for comfort, they've all come to the forefront of my mind.  I know they were at least partially understood at the time they were given, but the true meaning of what you were trying to teach seems to be much clearer now.  Thank you for teaching me.

With all these thought mulling about today, I sat down to watch some of the new Mormon Messages.  One of the first I saw was this one.




When Elder Hales said, "Parents, are you there?"  I allowed the tears to quietly fall down.  That's also the minute you called me dad... just to see how I was doing.

I know the following phrase seems cliche, but know this is the clearest and purest I can say it, "thank you for always being there."

Love, Cali

Comments

Thank you Cali. I am touched on so many levels. Did you forget all the lessons you taught us on agency, keeping perspective, faith, courage, and perseverance? Not to mention the time when Ande was twelve and you told me that I was a terrible parent to twelve year olds (you were so right :)

We have missed you this afternoon. As we drove in the yard after church Dad said that very thing. "I miss Cali."

Thank you for taking such good care of us this week.

I love you. I appreciate you.

Mom
oh cali..........you have blessed us over and over again........i have never worried about mom being taken care of when i'm gone........i know it will be a race between you kids.........i love you cali.........i love doing things with you........i'm glad you have a great husband in ray........you two are a power couple........thank you for the last couple of weeks and the last 27 years.........love dad
Ande said…
This totally mimicked my feelings today. I was missing everyone in our family today being at college, so it was nice to know I wasn't alone today. I love you. Thank you for taking care of me too.

I love you.
melanie said…
I love this video. Thanks for posting it Cali!
danipenz said…
Thanks Cali for sharing this video and thanks to all our parents for always listening to us and being there for us.