Six years ago, I sat my dad down at our house in Kentucky to ask him a very important question: Can I move to New York? He fired several questions my way, and I reassured him that I would bust my ass and make things HAPPEN. I was nervous as hell as I watched him think it over, and then...he said yes! He saw the desperation in my eyes and knew there was no other answer. Well, I think the main reason he said yes was because he wanted Liza and I to be together (she had already moved here), but still. Thanks, Dad, for helping me make my dreams come true!
When I first moved to NYC, I lived in a one bedroom apartment with Liza and one other roommate—talk about getting the true New York experience! I had a paying internship at a music PR company and Liza was freelancing at Lucky magazine, but I'd be lying if I said we didn't have to hit Dad up for money...often. I hated doing it—especially because financially I knew it wasn't easy for him to help me—but I just kept telling him that one day it would all be worth it.
Well, Dad's gone, but now I'm singing the same old tune to my mom. Of course I'm much more independent than I was back then, but I do on occasion need a little help. It's actually quite embarrassing for me to admit this at 29 years-old, especially when what I want more than anything in the WORLD is to be secure and successful on some level. And my unemployment certainly hasn't been easy on my mom—she's been there for me every step of the way. I can't even count how many times I have called her crying over the last year! Without my parents support, I never could have had the luxury to chase my dreams. Having people believe in you and invest in you, even if it means putting their needs second is just an amazing feeling. It actually makes me feel quite spoiled. I cannot WAIT for the day when I can look back and say, See it was worth it!
Tell me: What sacrifices have your parents made for you?
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That's really great tribute to your parents!
ReplyDeleteAparrently everything! Now that I have a family started, I'm starting to get it. You gain new respect for your parents when you have children of your own. It changes your outlook on life completely. My 14 moth old son has tried to kill himself about 3 million times since was born. And its our job to make sure that doesn't happen. He's a lot of work, but so COMPLETLY worth it that number 2 is due any day now.
ReplyDeleteThanks, GMTAB :)
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine, G-Dub! I just took care of my friend's dog and I was obsessed with making sure he was always breathing. I felt like I had a kid—it scared the shit out of me!!!
i also hate asking my mom for help, but she always tells me that i am the reason she has worked so hard-so she can help me and i don't have to struggle as much to have the life i want. and i think most parents are like that-they WANT to help us, as long as we are helping ourselves. and you KNOW what i think about how hard you work!!!
ReplyDeleteMy parents have been endlessly supportive of every crazy endeavor I've taken, each hard twist, everything.
ReplyDeleteToo many, I have always had them in my corner through good and bad.
ReplyDeleteSo proud of you girls for all the wonderful things and experiences you have in New York City. The memories and stories you have will always be worth it ;)
ReplyDeletemy mom worked a LOT to raise my 2 sisters and I by herself as a widow. She busted her ass to make sure that the three of us NEVER went without what we needed and to give us a life experience that was broader than the tough neighborhood we grew up in. I've had my issues with my mom (what daughter hasn't?) but at the end of the day I know my mom has my back. <3
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