The Positive Legacies My Parents Passed Down

1. Stability - I lived in the same house from age 1 until I left for college (parents didn't move until I was 22). My parents had the same jobs for over 30 years, and have been married for 34 (I think that's right). I went to the same church every Sunday from age 1 to 16. I am thankful that this is what is "normal" for me.

2. Family ties are important- I have the best Aunts, Uncles and cousins in the world, and their husbands,wives, and kids are turning out to be pretty awesome too. There's about 50 of us now when we're all together I think. My mom is always the one to plan the family reunions and big dinners. I've been so blessed by my relationships with my cousins! I'm glad she has put in the effort to bring us all together over the years. My Dad has also shown this importance as he gives his time and money to his in-laws who are all he has in the way of "family."

3. Real women work hard- I guess I should probably chalk this one up to my Grandma Ruth (from whom I received my middle name). My Grandma's mother passed away when my Grandma was just a kid. She eventually dropped out of school to stay home and care for her baby sister and the rest of her siblings. After taking care of her siblings she became a farmer's wife and raised 10 children of her own. At the age of 81 she continues to help raise her grandchildren that live near by. Her driven "get done what needs to be done, and do it the right way" state of mind was passed down to my mother and is now in my blood as well.

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12