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I have never been able to relate to these girls who just can't stand their moms. My mom and I were the best of friends from the time I was able to walk and talk. Naturally we had our fights and disagreements, but never anything lasting. Even in my teens, she was still my closest friend in the world. She wasn't one of those flighty "buddy" moms though, who refuses to grow up and be a parent. She was a MOM first.....then my friend. Once I was grown and married and having my own baby, it was even better. There truly was no other friend in my life I preferred to be with. We worked at the same place and still hung out together on the weekends. She was the most amazing grandmother in the world once my little girl came along. My mom died almost 3 years ago and I am not going to rehash the story again but it was the single most traumatic experience of my life. I am still having a hard time dealing with it.
My dad and I finally have a pretty solid relationship. He and my mom never had the best marriage and it finally fell apart when I was in college. He is remarried now and very happy, and he makes a good effort with me now. He is a good grandpa and even though he has moved away and I don't see him that much, he is a lot more loving and affectionate than he was when I was growing up. I always knew he loved me, but he just didn't have a lot of time for me. He was building his business and traveling a lot, and since my mom and I were so close I guess he felt like he could let her take care of me. But when she was dying he was so amazing....he knew what it was doing to me and he was so completely there for me. There was nothing he wouldn't have done. When I was a kid we never actually said "I love you" to each other, and there wasn't a lot of hugging and kissing; when I was really little I always used to go wrestle around with him before bed but that was about it. Now he always says "I love you" when we are saying goodbye on the phone and he always gives me hugs. My kids adore him.
My advice is.....whether your relationship with your 'rents is great or not, try to make the most of it while you have them. Nobody ever loves you like your parents do even if they aren't the best at showing it.....you only get one mom and dad and you never know when they are going to be taken from you. And you never fully understand the things they did and the way they raised you until you become a parent yourself. I understand my mother so much now, and I wish with all my heart that she was here for me to tell her so.
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