10 Lessons My Parents Taught Me About The Value Of Working Hard

I am convinced that parents are hardworking superhumans. I’ve lived a great life thanks to my parents, and they’ve given me everything I could have dreamed of.

Now that I’m an adult, I realize the struggles they’ve faced to make sure my life was as good as possible.

Mom and Dad, please don’t think I haven’t noticed how much you’ve struggled.

Despite that, as parents, you’ve never failed me. You’ve done everything in your power to make a good life for me. Thank you for that.

I am a better person because of who you are.

Here are a few things I've learned from watching you two navigate your lives:

1. The value of a dollar.

You always made money come out of thin air, so I never had to wait for anything. Lunch money, reading books and a house over my head are all luxuries I had because of you.

I realize now how hard you had to work for this and it’s taught me to manage my finances and appreciate everything I have.

2. Every moment spent together is a gift.

You’ve worked ridiculous hours, weekends and holidays to support me. When you were home, you filled the house with love and fun.

Every time we read a book, watched a movie or sat in the same room together, it was the best time of my life.

3. How to manage a schedule.

Despite working exhausting hours, you never missed a school concert or teacher conference.

You were at every award ceremony and freezing cold tennis match you could possibly attend. Thank you for never missing the things that are important to me.

4. There’s no shame in struggling.

I’ve seen you at your worst, so I’m not embarrassed when you see me at mine. Whether I’m upset over something small or big, you take me seriously and treat me with nothing but respect.

I’m happy to share hard times with you because I know you’ve been there. Thank you for listening to my problems and offering honest advice.

5. The definition of strength.

Being a strong person doesn’t mean having no emotions. It’s okay to be tired and frustrated.

You’ve been tired and frustrated, yet continued on without a second thought. That’s real strength.

6. How to be self-sufficient.

Every time you showed me how to fix something on my car or stand up for myself, you gave me a little piece of confidence.

You’ve given me enough pieces to carry myself into adulthood with grace and dignity.

7. How to be selfless.

You’ve wiped my tears instead of your own, and that small act has taught me more than I could have ever imagined.

You’ve given so much of yourself to others. It’s just the way you are, and I hope to be the same way.

8. Laughter can fix most problems.

Thank you for sitting with me, listening to me vent and teaching me to have a sense of humor about it. You’ve taught me your favorite dirty jokes and childhood anecdotes.

Even though I’ve heard them a million times, they still make me laugh. Being able to laugh at a joke or at myself has made my life substantially easier.

9. Family isn’t defined by bloodlines.

You’ve taken your closest friends and turned them into a big family for me. I have this huge support system because of the bonds you’ve created.

I only hope that when I have kids, they feel the kind of love I’ve felt because of you.

10. Hard work pays off.

Whether it was learning to ride a bike, graduating high school or going to college, you never gave me the idea that I couldn’t do something if I tried as hard as possible.

Life isn’t always easy, but you worked hard and made it. All the odd jobs you’ve picked up because you had no choice didn’t go unnoticed.

Because of you, I’m not afraid of hard work; I embrace it.

Thank you for always supporting me and giving me everything I need to succeed.

Know that everything I accomplish for myself is also for you.

Every victory of mine is a victory for you, too. It’s the biggest compliment when I’m told I’m just like my parents. There’s no one better for me to be.