Today was a very important day for my
family. My father, known to many as "Billy," retired from McLeod Hospital in Florence, SC after 24 years. Additionally my mother retired from teaching after 34 years. As I wandered around the room at my dad's party I found myself getting watery eyes from time to time because I kept thinking of what a big day this was for my dad. He has worked WAY passed the normal retirement age of 65. Everything I learned about the value of hard work my parents taught me through their examples. I have never known them not to give 100% to whatever task they were working to accomplish. At the retirement party one of the speakers stated that he would always remember my father as a gentleman who showed a Christian spirit to all those he encountered. And, my mom was none the less dedicated. She saw her teaching in public school as an opportunity to minister to her colleagues as well as to show the love of Christ to her students each day. As a working mom now I have an even greater respect for my own mother. I really never fully understood how tired she was after teaching school all day and then coming home to all the responsibilities of home and kids until I experienced it myself. She took us to music lessons. She came to my basketball and volleyball games. And, probably most importantly my parents always made church a priority for our family. Sometimes I felt like I lived there. Now that I am a parent I am able to better comprehend how accountable they felt to raise children who not only knew about Jesus, but knew Jesus as their personal Savior. I could go on and on about the wonderful parents God gave to me, but I guess I want to end by saying, "Thanks Mom
and Dad. When you were tired but kept on working hard, I was watching. When you did without so we could have things we needed, I was watching. When you stayed up late to check on us because we were sick, I knew you were there. When you came to our recitals and beamed with pride, I felt your support. When you walked with me at my wedding, I felt your prayers. When you saw my babies for the first time, I saw the love in your eyes. You have made me the wife, mother, friend, teacher and leader that I am today. I hope that I will continue to uphold your amazing legacy."
and Dad. When you were tired but kept on working hard, I was watching. When you did without so we could have things we needed, I was watching. When you stayed up late to check on us because we were sick, I knew you were there. When you came to our recitals and beamed with pride, I felt your support. When you walked with me at my wedding, I felt your prayers. When you saw my babies for the first time, I saw the love in your eyes. You have made me the wife, mother, friend, teacher and leader that I am today. I hope that I will continue to uphold your amazing legacy."
