my parents

Your parents are supposed to be your role models. They're supposed to be your number one support group. They teach you life lessons in some of the lamest ways, whether it be making your bed every morning or closing the toilet seat once you've finished your business. Parents can be rough some days, weeks, hell even years! But regardless of how your parents raised or disciplined you, they brought you into this world and that is the one thing we should all be grateful for.

As of late, my parents have been a really big help to myself financially and mentally. I used to work at sub shop in the city called Stuffy's Subs, and it wasn't all that bad. Except that my boss was a schizophrenic asshole with no interest or regards for his employees feelings. This is a guy who when I first began the job "worthless" because I didn't know how to work the cash register. For one, I had never touched the register for the 1 or 2 months I had been there. Second, you don't call your employees worthless or some other downgrading phrase just because things aren't going as smoothly as you would please. Understand that you have to treat your employees right in order for them to be able to come into work and not groan with an undertone that sounds similar to "I deadass do not want to be working here!"

I decided that after 7 months of bickering and chatter from my boss that it was time for me to part ways with Stuffy's. Do I regret quitting? Hell no.

I quit no longer than a month ago. And currently, I am still looking for a job. During this transition phase of not having a job and searching for one, my parents have come in big to help me out with daily expenses. Whether it is gas money for a road trip or a few bucks so me and my buds can go to Cookout for the infamous 5 dollar tray, their help is greatly appreciated.

Mentally, my parents have also done an excellent job as of late to keep me sane with the craziness that comes with college and any and all problems that a 20 year old male would be going through. The other night I ventured to my mother's apartment to give her debit card back. That whole day I had felt like nothing went my way. The emotions of negativity had broken my spirit. How and why? I couldn't even tell you. I guess we all just have some days where we feel like we're in a downward spiral.

As I get to my mom's crib, my somber mood rose a little bit solely because I was in the presence of my mother. Usually when I'm with my mom, she bombards me with questions that range from "what girl are you talking to now?" to "Did you see what lies the politicians tried to feed us today?".

The topic this time was my school work and what my major was. She was asking how my semester was going and what my aspirations were once I graduated. Honestly, I couldn't tell her a straight answer with my utmost confidence. Currently,  my major is international studies. But, I really do not want to be in that program. I made the decision to make that my major just so I could please my parents with an answer to the most dreaded question every college student wants to hear from a family member, "What's your major/what's your GPA?". But, I soon realized that international studies is not a field I see myself flourishing in. My goal is to be in the journalism program at VCU by the beginning of next semester.

She started getting into more details about what it is going to take for me to be successful in the real world. Phrases like "you need a haircut.", "you need a new wardrobe.", and "you need to have the right attitude!". My mother never says these kinds of things to criticize me or my siblings. She is just really blunt in what needs to be said. Her goal is to never hurt anybody's ego or their feelings.

But her tone is so stern. It is almost that of a fearless leader. She is so firm with her words and the affirmation she puts behind them hits you harder than a Draymond Green kick below the belt. This is completely unrelated to what I am currently writing about but I absolutely detest the Golden State Warriors.

Anyway, my eyes began to water and the tears began to shed. I began to contemplate my whole life after she told me all of these things that I need to do. I questioned my whole existence in a span of 30 minutes, whilst wondering if I was doing anything in my life right. I was the equivalent to a soggy piece of cereal left in lukewarm vat of milk that is still in the bowl that's been sitting on the table for 3 hours. Yeah, I was that low.

Slowly but surely, my mom noticed my waterworks and gave me the best hug of my entire life. All of my life questioning and sorrows were put on hold for a minute as my mom whispered to me that everything is alright. She later told me that at this point in my life I'm not supposed to have everything figured out. She told me I was too hard on myself. She told me to take it slow and enjoy being young while I still have that luxury. She told me that everything was going to be alright.

Immediately, my mood changed for the better. I could hold my head up and not be worried about my what my financial or marital status would be in 15 years. My mind was at a calm and it was more than needed.

My dad has helped me just as much or even more than my mom has. If I were to list the amount of times they have helped me out of a pickle collectively the list would go on forever and I would never stop writing this post. I have equal love and appreciation for both of them.

Your parents are a blessing. They help you when you expect it least, discipline you for the better, and are a reassuring shoulder to cry on as my mom was for me.

Some people don't have a great relationship with their parents, and I am sorry for those who don't have that luxury that I do. For those who do not appreciate their parents, I suggest that you get on that. There are so many things in life that we wouldn't have if it wasn't for the hard work and effort that our parents gave. I would understand if someone didn't have strong feelings for their parents if they did not have that much of a positive influence on their lives, and that is something that I cannot tap into because it is different for every individual. I really just wanted to take some time out of my day to write this post and show appreciation to my mom and dad.

Also, Drake dropped "More Life" today and I have come to the conclusion that I am keeping this album on repeat for the next few months. If you follow me on Twitter or any other social media, be prepared for late night Drake lyrics that I think describe my mood at that time. Sheesh!