Reason #1,523,032 why I adore my parents: they never, EVER talk bad about us (their four kids) behind our backs, to our siblings. Ever.

No matter what is going on in our lives--no matter how bleak or stupid or miserable or insane things might be, they always talk straight with us, to our faces...and put a positive spin on things, behind our backs.

I don't think I know many other people who practice the old adage, "if you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all" as well as they do...although they do it with their own unique spin, which adds, "...and if you can't say something nice, then you ought to try a little harder, because there's bound to be SOMETHING positive you can talk about!" to end of the saying.

They build us...and others around them...up.

We're coming up on their 42nd wedding anniversary--April 15th. (Yeah, try and forget THAT date, if you're over 18, and live in the US! ) I love you, Mom and Dad--you inspire me!

(For that matter, so do my brothers and sister! Thanks, Tom, Landon, and Willow, for being related to me. We may not see each other often...and, like most of our family, I'm not the best at keeping in touch, but knowing you're out there, enriches my life. I'm proud of you all! )

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Footnotes:
One of my favorite entries, in my all-time favorite blog - Creating Passionate Users. Prepare to be challenged by it!