To The Ones Who Raised Us

Mother. Father. Guardian. Regardless of name, the people who raised us have left important impressions on our lives whether for better or for worse. They are the people who made us chicken noodle soup when our fevers ran high, the ones who threatened to leave us out on the street when we brought our first boyfriend home, the people who cried over us secretly when we got hurt. They grounded us for staying out too late, kissed our scrapes and bruises to make them better, and loved us in the best way they knew how.

No one has perfect parents or guardians, but we know the ones who truly loved us tried their best. There are no instruction manuals on how to raise a human. So, our parents created the paper, made the ink, and found the feather to write their own narrative. They entered an unknown land, paving a path through the trees all in the name of progress. They protected us with all of their might, and probably received a few scrapes and bruises on their own in the process.

As much as they annoy us, hover, and boss us around, it is important to acknowledge how important our parent figures are in shaping who we are today.

The fourth Sunday of every July is a time for people of all ages to recognize the inseparable bonds they have formed with the people who have had raised them. Parents’ Day is a national observance signed into effect in 1994 by President Bill Clinton. Similar to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Parents’ Day is slightly more inclusive in acknowledging the importance of any parental figure in a person’s life. This could be a guardian, godparent, neighbor, friend, and so much more. The most important thing is to recognize and uplift the person who taught you the meaning of a life worth living.

Parents’ Day is a perfect excuse for us to revel in our memories. To share stories of the good times, the bad times, the awkward and the funny. We can recognize the people important to us with a card, some flowers, a shared meal, or even a meaningful hug. Though not a public holiday, it is a great reminder to show the people we love why they matter in our lives. To all the parents who raised my beautiful sisters, to all my beautiful sisters who are parents, and to all my sisters who will be parents in the future–Thank you!

Blog Contribution By: Djenne Dickens, Yemaya Chapter