Blog post #2 from Ghana.
It’s weird because now multiple times on this trip, which is now coming to a close, I have found myself incredibly nostalgic for my childhood. Partly it fills me with longing for simpler times, but it mainly just makes me feel so grateful that I have so many positive memories from that time. I’ve circled back several times to the fact that I always had a home cooked meal every night with my whole family sitting around the table. Sure, we had our squabbles as all families do, but the fact that we got to share that time and that food with each I have now realized impacted me in so many positive ways. I had a sense of family growing up, and that loyalty and love has stayed with me and influenced how I conduct my own relationships. I can see that same fierce loyalty in my brothers too. We look out for those that we love. It also made me realize the importance of sitting down with loved ones and just relaxing and unplugging. I always remember I felt sad when my friends told me that their family never ate together, or they often ate take-out or frozen dinners. Okay that’s kind of a lie, first I was definitely jealous because what little kid doesn’t love take out? But then when I’d stay at a friends house for a couple days, I would start to feel depressed. I craved that family time, and that food that I knew was made with care and intentionally for me. I have noticed many times in my life that food brings people together, and I’m just grateful I’ve always had that in my life.
Then there have been small specific moments from my childhood that I remember that individually don’t hold much weight, but strung together I can truly see how blessed I was as a child. I was given every extra-curricular and educational opportunity I could have ever wanted or needed; however, I was never forced into an activity I didn’t want to do. I got to do the things that I loved as a kid, and I think that’s partly why I’m such a strong willed individual now. I was always told that if I could follow through with it and prove myself then I could do it, and if I ever said I wanted to stop my parents wouldn’t force it. Not to say that I could drop out in the middle of something, they taught me the invaluable lesson of seeing things through, but I at least wasn’t forced into 5 years of ballet that I vocalized not wanting. It made me love the things I was doing more. I don’t think I expressed or even knew how to express that when I was a child, but reflecting on it, I am eternally grateful for my parents trust, love, and support.
I remember my mom once asked me in a meek tone, “Do you think you guys had a good childhood?” I remember being totally taken aback by it. Of course we did! I can’t remember now if I was being a problem child or if it was one of my brothers, but it still pains me to know that my mom ever even questioned that. I can’t express in words how grateful I am for the way I was brought up. There were things I didn’t understand when I was little but now I can see that everything my parents did was in my best interest.
Besides just being awesome parents, they’re just kind of awesome individuals in general. All of my friends LOVE my parents. My sorority sisters go nuts for my mom, and I can honestly say that I burst with pride because of that. Even on this trip when I have told stories about my mom or dad it has the same effect. People don’t even know my mom but multiple people have said they wished they had my parents. Like how lucky am I? My roommate constantly asks if Kel (my mom’s nickname) can come hang out. Whenever I tell my friends I’m with my mom they freak out and want me to send them snap chats. I feel so lucky that I get to call my mom my mom and my dad my dad. I don’t know how to truly, sincerely express it, but thinking of them, writing this, feels me with warmth, longing, joy, pride, understanding, and so much more. When I hear people, especially people who were on my trip, say bad things about their parents or that they aren’t close to their parents it just makes me sad. I have been unconditionally loved, supported, and taught all my life. I have never felt like I could truly do anything that would disappoint my parents. Partially because I don’t ever want to, and partially because I know that however disappointed they may be at first, they will always love me. I remember having feelings like this on my trip last year, and even in Peru, but I finally feel like I can somewhat do the subject justice. I am so, so grateful for everything, and I just want to thank my parents again and again. I love you both so much.
Let Your Love Grow Tall 