Tribute to the Parents

I know no one even reads this blog, but it's therapeutic for me, so...

 Even though I'm officially old now, I still need and learn from my parents every single day of my life. There is something insanely therapeutic about hanging out with my mom or dad, even if it is just for a few hours. Seriously, if you're having a hard day, or hard life, just spend some time with these people and you will be feeling optimistic by the end.

 My mom's insane ability to serve in every and all ways to everyone is almost unhuman. She is LITERALLY spending all of her days serving other people, whether it be giving so-and-so a ride or the missionaries or...I can't even think of another way to serve because I don't do it like her! She is amazing. And her ability to listen and empathize is also unmatched - this past week I was struggling a lot and just needed someone to vent to and, of course, she was there. She never said, "Get over it, Lindsey" or "That's not that big of a deal." She is one of the best listeners ever. And she ALWAYS responds with complete and perfect faith: "Well it says in patriarchal blessing..." Never doubts. Most faithful woman on the planet. 

My dad's optimism and gratitude is unmatched by any other. I get my love of nature from him - every day I think, "I want to be up in those mountains right now" and I realized today that is totally him. He has some major problems with his legs and knees that prevent him from doing any running (and he loves running), harldy any hiking (which he also loves), and makes it hard for him to walk. Today I asked, "Have you EVER thought 'Man this stinks, why me?'" and he, completely genuinely responded with, "No, I would have no reason to think that - I don't know how I could even say that with everything else I've been given." Amazing. And he was completely serious. The most grateful man I have ever met in my whole life.