Driven to Do What's Right: A Tribute to My Mom and Dad

Dear Readers-

It. feels. so. good. to. be. back. again.

This is my mom and dad.  This post is for you.

Ever since I came back from that VA Humanities training- inspired by untold local stories from the days of segregation- 

I. can't. look. at. my. parents. the. same. way.

I am not going to lie- I physically wept a few days- thinking of the type of judgement and unfairness they went through by law of this land to give me all that I have today.

Their hope has always been a better life for me (and my siblings) and the freedom to make my own way.

Well, mom and dad, you have done it.

And, my family is so grateful.

Unknowingly, until this summer, I didn't make the connection that you have inspired me professionally as well.

I. am. driven.

I. am. strong.

I. stand. up. for. what. I. believe. in.

Growing up in your household, YOU were always working-  hourly jobs, side jobs, rental properties.  Growing up in your household, WE were always working too-  chores, yard work, home repairs, and helping at the rental properties.  When I would go to school or be around family friends, it always seemed that our family was always working ten times harder than everyone else.  Back then, I resented it at times.  NOW, I'm so thankful.

I can't tell you how many times my CONSISTENT hard work spoke louder than my words.  Shoot, sometimes, in this busy world-  there are no time for words spoken.  They just require you to figure it out and work.  

I don't have as much of a problem keeping up with this mindset because of how you raised us to work hard for what we want.

Now, I can't say that we have always approached unfairness with the most respectful talk or actions. However, we ALWAYS address things in our mind and heart that are WRONG.

When treated wrong, we wrestle with the right things to do.  

In the end, wherever that prayer leads us,

 we. stick. it. out. and. do. it.

We have a triumphant attitude to keep on going despite adversity-  however, it shows itself.

Again, not knowing the language or even having an accent when you spoke, was a constant barrier  everywhere you would go.  Despite that MAJOR setback, you still spoke up and tried because you knew you were responsible for us at home.
I recognize your struggles and thank you for your perseverance.
I. truly. admire. you.
You taught me to not put my weight in words because talk can be cheap at times.  You modeled that respecting authority and being responsible with your "jobs" and duties is how you succeed in life.
Thirty five years late -into this life gig- I totally agree.

May Ben and I model the same sentiments to our children that respect and responsible choices are the only way to succeed... I thank Jesus for opening my eyes and heart to know that it is also the only TRUE way to LOVE as well.

Both Ben and I enjoy raising the kids and enjoy being married.  BUT- both endeavors- have been the HARDEST things we continuously have to work at in life.
We LOVE working and bragging about our team (family).
Growing up, you always taught us that family is most important.
At the end of the day, those are the people who will be there for you.

Teaching in the schools and leading Young Life, I have learned that many children are growing up absent of this concept.  Family is just another label they put on people related to each other by blood or title.
You taught me that work and real growth only happens in community together through GOOD and BAD.
You. commit. yourself. to. a. group. of. people. who. will. share. learn. teach. and. love. with. all. life's. circumstances. because. those. are. the. people. you. lean. on. at. the. end. of. the. day.

The world will do you wrong with it's imperfections and constant change. 
However, family, that's always been the stable in the storm.

Thank you for teaching me these things because I have them weaved so naturally in my brain and lifestyle.  

I am starting a new endeavor to help teachers with classroom management using something I came up with in my classroom ten years ago.  I realized in preparing the materials that YOU taught me to do all of this first.  Now, mom and dad, I am dedicating the work to you .  I created something that helps kids- despite background or circumstance- to learn and have a better purpose in life.  I created a system that parents feel like they belong even when parenting feels like a mess at home.
I thank you, mom and dad, for giving me the means, drive, and education to pursue my mission of loving and serving others.
All that I do, I owe to you.
With Love. Always,
Crystal