10 days of thanksgiving countdown - day 3

there was a time, when i was about 13, that i didn't want to be seen in public with these two people (you're pretty much at your lamest, at 13). there was a time, when i was in college, that i called these two people almost every night and cried because i was so homesick. and now, these two people are my friends. i don't know what most people's relationships are like with their parents, but my parents have always walked the fine line between being a parent and being a friend pretty well. my recollections of life in the sheppard home consist of a lot of laughing, a lot of debates around the kitchen table, a lot of sleep-overs and parties and playing, a lot of good food and good company, lots of advice and counsel and direction. sure we fought and cried and stomped our feet and slammed some doors and maybe there was the occasional dangling of spit over someone's face... but there was just as much thanking and forgiving and praying and sharing and hugging and kissing (yuck... haha).

when i stop and think... REALLY think about my life, i can't help but be so grateful for my parents. for their love and support and encouragement... for their dedication to our family and to our church and to the community and to each other. anyone who knows my parents (no matter what age) has to make sure to tell me how much they love my parents. how fun they are and what wonderful people they are. it's usually followed by some form of the word "crazy"... but who doesn't need a little crazy in their lives?! :)

so today... i'm grateful for my mom and dad. leigh and winona. the people who taught me how to get things done and make it happen and do what's right and stand for what you believe and tell it like it is and love people and enjoy life and spell it correctly. thank you. i love you both! (and this cute picture).