There was a time when I was always annoyed by my parents and never wanted to be at home (I'm sure that teens can relate!). My parents imposed a strict cerfew on me, and they sometimes wouldn't let me hang out with my friends or go to certain parties. But last summer when I found out that my friend's father allowed her to smoke pot in the house, I knew I was lucky. First, I was really shocked, but then it allowed me to step back and put my life in perspective. My dad always told me that he was imposing these rules because he loved me so much. I always rolled my eyes at him and told him that if he loved me, he would let me come home later, and it was such a rediculous rule. I was one of the good kids who didn't drink alcohol, smoke, or party. I had friends that would go home drunk or sneak out of the house, and they wouldn't get in trouble. I got in trouble if I was 10 minutes late for curfew. It just wasn't fair!
As much as I wanted to get away last summer, this summer I've enjoyed being home and spending time with my family. My brother and I have been going to the movies; my Mom and I go shopping, exercising, to movies, or out to eat, and my Dad teaches me about marketing, takes me SCUBA diving, and to the movies. My family goes on family walks, has family dinners, goes to Church, and watches shows together. A few weeks ago, we were all in the kitchen and everyone kind of just stopped what they were doing and started talking to each other. I sat back and thought, 'I wonder how many other families would be doing this.' My dad always makes us laugh and we just enjoy each other's company. My parents have ALWAYS supported me in everything I do, whether my dad allows me to do cheerleading, they come cheer for me at my half marathon and triathlons, help pay for me to attend Vanderbilt, or encourage me to be an entrepenur. My mom went to every cheerleading competition I had, and always came to the football games at school. She would come all day for a two and a half minute routine! When I'm stressed out before a race or competition, I might not be the nicest person, but she puts up with me and comes anyway. It's wonderful to have my own cheering section that will never fade! Even though we've been through a lot of rough times, I love my family and am so glad that I'm a part of it. I hope that my kids will grow up in a family like mine!
