Is it normal to believe your parents are better than everyone else's?
Most kids grow up with the sincere belief that their childhood, if anything else, is utterly the picture of normality, and everyone else's family life, if different, is just plain strange. That's just how selfish childish minds work.
The more I learned about my friends' parents the more I realized what I have might in fact be very rare. I'm not even talking about kids with parents who fight, abuse them, or get divorced and screw them up. I'm talking about your average run-of-the-mill mom and dad.
My parents love me unconditionally. Nothing I do or say can change their affection for me. They knew exactly how to teach me effectively without hurting me or scaring me.
Neither of my parents are stereotypical. My mom isn't vain. She doesn't wear makeup or fuss about her looks at all. She puts everybody before herself and always has. Despite the self-sacrifice, she's the least bitter and resentful person I know. She's the coolest person in a crisis and always knows exactly what to do. Everybody falls in love with her instantly and wishes she was their mom. It makes me feel so proud.
My dad isn't the kind of dad that makes you feel as if you're constantly on trial. He lets himself express emotions, and is just as affectionate as my mom is. He doesn't act superior and treats me like a friend and an equal now that I'm grown up. Again, all my friends wanted to have my dad. Dad always knows exactly what to say to make me feel better. No one else I know does.
Together my parents are even better. They've never, ever once fought in my entire life. They're best friends too and love each other unconditionally, and I think that's the most important thing.
I've never had very much to be thankful for. If it wasn't for my family, I'd have nothing. They're what keep me sane. So I'm incredibly grateful.