Another year down, Mom and Dad you can attest
2016 sent us running, I can’t say it was my best.
Now that it’s Christmas (thank god we’ve made it through)
My gift this holiday season is a big retroactive thank you.
Now to start, I’ll shoot you straight, as I’ve been known to do.
My three siblings and I aren’t perfect, and neither are you.
The very nature of this gift (sorry!) unlike the year we just had ,
is that it didn’t cost much, you deserve so much more Mom and Dad.
Even though we’re adults I know we often drive you insane.
so thanks for hosting this year, despite all the rain!
Decorating with Mom and with Dad’s birthday too,
Let’s hope I don’t end this year with my typical Christmas flu.
With no trophies or awards, measuring our success these days is hard.
There’s no back to school night and no stolen report card.
But even this year, with as many lows as there were highs,
Your support keeps me grounded, I hope I’m a success in your eyes.
Mom, your heart is bigger than anyone’s I’ve met,
I’m sorry for the late nights you spend worrying and and the anxiety you get.
And to Dad, I really am the world’s biggest pain in the ass,
But know you’re my most trusted mentor, despite all the sass.
2016 started with promise, a new job and more money too.
But Dad I now know your sacrifices, traveling for work and paying dues.
It’s been a rough go on the road, and at times I almost quit –
Truly having your guidance and love was the only way I made it.
Winter turned into spring and you guys started packing
Mom I now realize your sadness with each box you were stacking.
But one of my happiest memories this year was in the middle of may
when your girls pulled out all the stops to celebrate your birthday!
Our fourth of July was one of the best yet,
Mt. Renyay certainly won’t forget,
we ate and we drank, that lodge perfection for sure
and I truly appreciate the very minimal hiking we had to endure.
The fall brought a flurry of preparations for the big day,
Like a chameleon mom became the perfect wedding planner for Shea.
We all pledged our best behavior and gave our word through and through
Though I can imagine you both were worried Kaels or I would come unglued.
Alas, we gave Shea away, one of the best weekends of the year,
It was all because of you that Chicago weekend we hold dear.
Even Jack’s lady was a hit despite Mom’s worry and angst
She took each joke in stride and held her own (and her drank)!
Though not out of the woods yet, Fall came to a close.
With a looming move and the holidays – how we made it no one knows.
Thus with news of grandma’s turn, we were quick to realize
that she needed her family with her, to say her final goodbyes
We had our final day with grandma and were rendered speechless by the loss,
So I did what I do best and picked a fight with the boss.
Dad I’m so sorry, Grandma was a mighty force and your mother
Just know she remains with us each day we continue to love her.
The coming weeks we all put on brave faces for the weddings
but each night I wrote to grandma, overcome with guilt and regretting.
what she told me one night when I was particularly low,
is that she is not disappointed in any of us and loves us more than we know.
With family and friends on each other we’ve leaned,
During the dark hours of these months some important lessons i’ve gleaned.
no one is perfect and we all may get off track
but these things we get through together, families must bend and not crack.
Mom and Dad you’re my heroes, as you worry so do I,
you’re always in my thoughts each day that goes by.
While I want to make you proud as I live my life,
even more so I want you to be happy with no drama or strife.
I’m sorry for the things I’ve done that have caused you sadness or fear,
If i learned anything in 2016 it’s to guard those you hold dear
Despite the distance between us you always make me feel strong
It’s your believe in me that helps me handle anything that comes along.
So Merry Christmas to the best mom and dad I’ve ever known,
I’ll never take you for granted and know you’ll never be alone.
Made up of you both – I owe everything to you.
from the bottom of my heart this December
thank you for all that you do.
The Dog Hair Diaries 