Steph rightfully thought it made sense that on my birthday I thank, encourage, and honor the parents who brought me into the world. We put together a box of gifts to represent childhood memories and thank my parents for their investment in my life. I had to delay posting this because we were just able to give this to my parent this past weekend.
Teacher Stuff
Thanks for instilling a desire for knowledge and education. You expected me to do my best and helped me along the way.
Workgloves
This is to represent the work ethic you instilled in me. Both of you carried multiple jobs to support our family. You also got me working at a young age throwing papers and mowing lawns. I now benefit from that work ethic as I support my own family.
Spaghetti and Sauce
My favorite meal from mom. I remember always saying that mom should open up a spaghetti shop. Thanks mom for many years of making healthy and delicious meals. I still love coming home and having all those delicacies I grew up on (cheese dip, tapioca, rhubarb crisp). Dad you get a little credit as well for making the best pancakes ever.
Sunflower Seeds
This represents the many hours you spent sitting at ball games. You were a chauffeur and cheerleader.
Straight No Chaser CD
Thanks for getting me involved in music. To this day I’m not sure why you selected the violin, but I am glad you did. You also let me add other instruments like tuba, piano, and guitar. I have had many opportunities because you instilled a love for music and performance.
Bicycle Magnet
Riding our bikes to George Wythe Park and throwing rocks in the river is one of my favorite childhood memories. I loved those bike rides. Most of all I loved spending time with my dad.
Microwave Popcorn
This was a favorite family snack. Watching an Iowa game with the kerosene heater on and eating popcorn. I loved spending time with the family just hanging out.
McDonalds Gift Certificate
Every time I had a good violin lesson mom would stop by McDonald’s for some french fries. Amazingly, I never had a bad lesson:) Thank you mom for taking me to literally hundreds of violin lessons. Thank you both for driving me around the country for competitions and sitting through an endless number of concerts.
Emmanuel Donation
Steph and I made a donation to the Emmanuel Fund to represent the spiritual foundation you provided. While I learned much through Christian school I learned much more about a godly life through your teaching and example at home.
Mudhens Tickets
Thanks for getting me involved in sports at an early age. From swimming to gymnastics, baseball, golf, and all the rest. Sports have brought me great joy and taught me discipline. By the way, there are 4 tickets because we are coming to Toledo to join you for the game!!!
I am exceedingly thankful for my parents. Thanks for all who were able to follow along with the birthday challenge!
The thoughtfulness behind your gifts will mean so much more to your parents! I can just imagine the smiles you will give them when they pull out the work gloves, or sit down to a bag of popcorn. Thanks Drew for sharing these examples of giving.
Considering all my parents have done for me, it was only a small token or recognition for their sacrifice.
[...] Leading Your Family Well: It seems appropriate as Father’s Day approaches we men take time to think about how we lead our families. I am thankful for a dad who led well, as you can see from what I said about him and my mom. [...]
I LOVED this challenge, and I really enjoyed hearing you write about it. It’s ironic that I’m reading this on Father’s Day because as a soon-to-be father, I am confident that you are going to be an awesome dad. I am sure that the things you’ve learned from your parents along with a few other experiences are going to fuel a relationship with your son that has attributes of the relationship you share with your heavenly Father. Praying for you today and praying for your son that God has chosen before the foundations of the earth.