The Home My Parents Made

My parents never built a house.  But they did build a home.

I look back at a childhood full of amazing memories and incredible experiences.  I look back at a teen-hood full of friends constantly at our house, raiding our fridge and spending way too much time in front of my parents' TVs and on their couches.  I look at an adulthood full of awesome holidays, super delicious food and great family time.  My parents have built a home to be proud of.

I have two brothers.  Three kids my parents have "raised", (four in total), but as I am sure would be seconded (and thirded), there are many other kids that my parents have unofficially raised, or assisted in the raising of.  Maybe even countless amounts... All of these kids have felt that my parents house was one of their homes.  And now my parents have an additional son (Ryn), and we are sooo very excited to finally add a woman (and sister!) to this Alsdurf brood with Jerilyn!  My parents have so many children I don't think that they can possibly deal with all of them! We're a lil' cray, but I don't think that's a surprise to anyone :)

But to get back to the main point - my parents have built a home.  There are some people who put stock in their stuff, their car, their career, or even a house.  My parents never put much stock in any of those things - sure, they taught us to be hard working, fiscally responsible and dedicated to our jobs, but they never honored those things above what counts.  More importantly they taught us to be loving, considerate, kind, Jesus-lovin' adults... they taught us never to shirk from our responsibilities, but also never to rely on just ourselves, to lean on the only One who can save us.  They put stock in building a home (not a house), a family, and a heritage of faith.

I'm not a parent, but I s'pose someday I will be.  I hope that when I am, that I am able to follow in such amazing footsteps.  The most wonderful part of having such an awesome family and incredible parents who have blessed you beyond words with their admirable lives, is that they've left you this unmistakably clear path, a treasure map, for the future.

Let it never be said that they saying "history repeats itself" is a negative thing.  Repeating history is a choice, and I am privileged to be able to walk in the footsteps my parents have created.

Thanks Mom and Dad - you are truly the best. Ever.