Sunday, June 15

Life Lessons I Learned From Mom & Dad

Today marks my parents', Ron and Gloria Chesser, 52nd wedding anniversary. Their romance was a whirlwind, only meeting weeks before their engagement. Somewhere during that time they experienced the 'holy kiss', and as they say, it was all over but the shouting. A few months later they were married! 


With that being said, I have been tremendously blessed to witness true marital love my entire life. Every marriage is different and no one would dare say it is easy all of the time. I am aware of these things, but I am so glad to have been brought up in a home where such glowing exhibits of love, loyalty, friendship and faith were shown on a daily basis.


My parents have taught me many valuable lessons that have helped shape my life. The best advice I ever received from them was not said specifically in any one sentence or a formal heart-to-heart, but in many discussions throughout my life. Here are the top ten lessons about life and love my parents graciously taught me that have touched every aspect of my life and affected the majority of decisions I have ever made.
  • They encouraged me to seek out, listen to and accept with humility advice from people wiser than myself. 
  • Mom and Dad instilled in me a great sense of confidence and the ability to stand up for myself. Despite the fact that sometimes I was a little nervous, I stepped out and did what I felt led to do when I thought the time was right. 
  • They may not know it but they taught me to be slow to anger. I cringe sometimes when I think of how I must come across at times, and how long it has taken me to change my ways. And even now there are times when I forget their advice on the subject. But yes, I’ve learned to stop and think before I react and more importantly to choose my battles well. 
  • My parents showed me relationships take work, compromise and dedication from both people. Marriage vows are sacred, far stronger than any bumps or potholes along life's highway. It's a decision you make every day. Note I didn't say FEELING!
  • They always made a point of making sure I understood that on the road of life, there’s no point in blaming others when you fail. So my failures? I never have any doubt whom they can be traced back to. 
  • Communication, Communication, Communication! They taught me to ask for what I want. NEVER assume the other person is going to know what you need. No one will be reading your mind - you could be waiting forever!
  • They taught me that managing losses is a challenge I must be up to! You can never give in to it. Learning that failing over and over in life is all apart of success.
  • Be a good friend to find a good friend. Healthy friends cultivate healthy friendships. And my parents taught and modeled what it means to be a good friend to others.
  • They explained to me that there were going to be times in my life that would be difficult, and that I have the choice as to how I react to those situations. I can either laugh or cry; I can get mad or be happy. The question is how would I rather live?
  • They showed me how important and valuable I am. Whether they took the time to take us camping or drove all night to pick me up from college just because I was sick, Mom and Dad taught me to never let others underestimate my worth.
This list of valuable instructions are but a few things Mom and Dad taught me. These precious attributes were not always spoken. My parents didn't normally sit us down for formal one on one conversations about 'life lessons'.  In fact, at the time, I had no idea of the wise counsel they were giving me and how it would someday impact my life.


My Daddy is realistic, supportive, loyal, spiritual, wise, he's tough - but fair, has a fantastic work ethic, and yes, sometimes can be blunt. My Mother is caring, giving, nurturing, ever so patient, quietly hopeful and above all loving. But together, as parents, their best quality was to teach by example. It is one thing for parents to dish out advice; it is another that they model a life for their children to follow. My parents lived that kind of life. They have inspired me in all areas by living what was preached in our home. 


These precious gifts I received from my parents are invaluable and I love, respect and admire them for all of their many wonderful qualities. I thank you for your parenting, teachings, and leadership. Many Hugs and Much Love Mom and Dad, today and every day!

HAPPY 52nd ANNIVERSARY!

4 comments:

  1. Happy Anniversary to your parents! And great marriage tips!

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  2. Your parents are adorable!! I believe that whirlwind relationships are some of the best :) I met, got engaged and married my sweetheart in less than 6 months and we're going on 4 years now :)

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  3. Ohhh congrats to your parents!!! 52 years is amazing!!

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  4. This is really great to have a good relationship between a family. There are lots of family broken down. couples therapy is better for themselves. Anyone can try out to clear confusion between themselves.

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