parents

It really is true that momma knows best. My mom is no exception to that. She is truly one of the smartest women I've ever met. That statement itself is probably an understatement. She is the smartest. She isn't one of those women who needs a Dr. before her name to show you how smart she is. My mom doesn't even have a master's degree. I'll bet you this though. I bet my mom knows a hell of a lot more about books and literature than 99% of moms (and dads for that matter). I have never seen my mom in a conversation where she was in over her head. (You know what I mean? A conversation where someone really doesn't know what they're talking about and they just kind of nod their head.) Well my mom has never been that person. She always has something to contribute. Even if it's just a tidbit that she read somewhere.

That woman can put away books.

Hell, I feel like I've done something special if I finish three books over the summer. My mom? She reads at least 10 or 15 I'd say. That's pretty spectacular if you ask me. Plus she does laundry, cooks, cleans, and builds puzzles! She's no slacker and I can say I've learned a lot from her.

When I said my mom was the smartest woman I've met I wasn't really giving her the credit she deserves. She's not just brains or book smart, she's life smart. I'm talking WISE.

She always knows what to say and that's a talent very few people possess.

My mom has said on more than one occasion that she sometimes wishes she would have pursued something else, something like law school. I think she did it right. Not that I don't think she could handle law school. She could. And my mom would've made a hell of a lawyer, I promise you that. But she's a hell of a teacher. I can't say I wish she would've done anything else because how could I be sure I'd even be here? If she went to law school would she have met my dad? Would I even be lucky enough to call her mom? Crazy thing to think about actually, never being born.

I love my mom.

My dad is a totally different creature. Smart in more ways than one, crazy in more ways than you can think of. My dad never went to college. School wasn't for him. You know what was? Making a name for himself. He did that by working at a very successful construction company. My dad is really good with numbers and he was a hell of a manager.

Helping manage a company doesn't teach you the main things I look to my dad for though My dad is versatile and gritty. If my dad had to do something unthinkable to help our family, I'm certain he would. And I'm certain he would do it well. He is a handy son of a bitch and the funniest guy I know. He taught me how to make yourself better by laughing at yourself. He taught me that if you can't be yourself in every situation you are doing something wrong. My dad never puts on a front. He is 100% himself. And basically, if you have a problem with that, you can go to hell.

My dad taught me something else. Something he didn't have to ever say. Something he might not realize he did.

He showed me that just because you're down doesn't mean you're out. No matter how down you are there is always a shot at redemption.

That's huge.

Obviously, I love my dad.

My mom had a text that was spot on today. Made me laugh, made me smile, and made me shake my head because I knew, once again, she was right. She always is.

I talk to my best friends every single day. Today is no exception. Every day. That's how it is.

NP: Flowers In Your Hair- The Lumineers