I cannot believe it took me so long to realize that the best friends and supporters you will ever have in the flesh are going to be your parents. I burned up a lot of this life questioning and challenging and seeking in all the wrong places. And in spite of myself, even as I refused the counsel and wisdom of those two who not only knew better, but were also only interested in my welfare, they still stood by me. They allowed me to make my own mistakes, aching through the process even more than I.

There will come a day when I will not have the privilege of speaking to my parents on this earth. As hard a day as I know that will be, I can say in truth how fulfilled I am to have known them today-not only as parents but as good friends. I am so incredibly proud to be their son. The legacy of good parenting can never be fully known until the parents are no longer around to offer direction and support. And I pray that my walk will always be pleasing in their sight....And I am hopeful for the eternal provisions of God for our reunion forever....