24 Years.

Things I remember from my 21 years that my parents helped me through:
- having nightmares and climbing into their bed, meaning one of them having to get out of bed as I liked to spread out like a starfish when I slept
- climbing out of my second story bedroom window and falling head first onto the concrete garden floor; they made me laugh and smile when I had to go to hospital
- getting stuck up the tree out the front of our house and having to be helped down
- doing school plays and always having someone there to watch me
- being bullied, being taught that it will get better and to stand up to people
- going to upper school was terrifying, but my parents were really supportive and there in a heartbeat if I needed them
- being sexually harassed and assaulted, having to go to court for it, being supported every single step of the way by my mum and dad
- having depression and anxiety, having understanding parents through this is essential and so so SO helpful, there's nothing worse than not knowing what's wrong with you and having people constantly asking what's wrong; mum and dad just listened and gave well-needed hugs and hair strokes
- having someone really close who had cancer, having parents who not only did what they could to help out that person but understanding that it was really hard to go through for me and that's not something a lot of people think about when someone else is really ill
- doing talent shows and plays in school and having someone there every time to support me
- GCSE's and A-Levels...TOUGH AS CRAP TIME FOR PEOPLE. Mum and Dad were there for me when I stressed about losing work, about exam pressure and university choices
- University - open days, interviews, accommodation, savings, student accounts, moving, support when I moved away, visiting me, buying me food, making sure I was comfortable, everything. Every aspect they could help with they have.

My parents are my role models.
My mum had a hard upbringing, being the oldest of five kids with an Irish alcoholic father and a harsh, strict, Irish mother needless to say she grew up tough as nails, She gave me a life so different from hers and she gave me everything she could, when she could. She taught me that nature was important and that it's okay to have time to yourself, it's amazing to read books and we are are souls and spirits living in the same world so to be kind to others, I have so much to thank my Mum for, i can't begin to list the countless memories I have with her. One of my favourite memories with my mum isn't even a big event, it's just sitting on the sofa in our living room, looking at the crystal that used to hang on our old wooden back door and seeing the rainbows shine through it and the way the light coming through the window made the dust look like dairy dust because it was all sparkly and fluttery. We were just hugging on the sofa talking about the big tree at the back of our house and fairies and toadstools. I had a magical childhood and I have a  magical adulthood because of my Mum. I appreciate my life and my able body because I know of the struggle she goes through every day with her illnesses. She got very ill when I was young and we very nearly had to carry on without her, but someone or something sent her back to us every time she died in hospital. She died three times but they knew we needed her and she needed us. She's been a great Mum to me and my sister, and she's been a great Nanny to my nephews. She's been a mum to countless friends and a shoulder to cry on for most who have ever known her. 

My Dad. I don't know what to say to begin with whenever I talk about my Dad. He's so special. He's About 5'6, he has tattoos and a big beard and moustache, he has an ear ring, a shaved head and eyes that smile. If anyone saw him walking in their direction in the dark they'd probably crap themselves because he looks like a scary guy. If I saw him walking in my direction in the dark, I'd feel safer than anywhere else. i don't know if anyone reading this has ever seen the story about the bikers in America that protect children of abuse and make them feel safe, but take that feeling of happiness you got when you read that and that's how I feel about my Dad. He's SO important in my life. He's been a best friend and my rock. He's the youngest of four and he's had to deal with a LOT in his life. He stood with my mum when she was ill and looked after me and my sister, he has an absolute cretin for a brother but he remains strong and unmoved; he cares about the ones who matter most. My Dad is amazing and words can't properly put into context just how much he means to me.

This year is 24 Years of marriage for my Mum and Dad. together they have faced many challenges and overcome them all. they stuck to their marriage vows and they have shown everyone who ever doubted them that they were and are perfect for each other, I hope that one day I have a marriage like theirs.

So I want to raise an internet glass to my wonderful parents: thank you so much for giving me life, for giving me a childhood that set me up properly for adulthood and for being the most supportive and inspiring parents I could have ever wished for. Here's to you, Mum and Dad, and here's to many many (many) more years together. I love you.

Lauren x