There’s no denying it: I am extremely lucky. It’s true, the saying that you can’t pick your parents – you get what you’re given. As you’re travelling down that birth canal, about to emerge into the harsh, wide world, there’s no stop button – no option to say, “WAIT! Transfer me to another woman’s womb. This one’s a total bitch!”
And yet, somehow I ended up being pushed into the world by of one of the most generous, interesting, hilarious, creative, loving and wonderful women I’ve ever been lucky enough to be birthed by (as if I had a choice in the matter). And of course, my dad, the Guru, [insert similar adjectives here] played a big part in it too.
My sister Fluffy and I are so spoilt by our parent’s love and devotion to us, it’s easy to take for granted. (Cue eye roll, every time Tutti – ever the Jewish mother – calls me to say, “It’s cold today! Are you dressed warmly enough? No? Tell me where you are! I’ll drive you over a cardigan!”)
It’s also easy to forget, when you’re blessed with divine parentals like I am, that others aren’t so lucky. There are people whose parents aren’t even decent human beings, let alone decent parents.
So, if you’re like me, and somehow fate chose for you loving, caring, wonderful parents, thank them once in a while. Give them a cuddle. Let them know that you know how lucky you are (even if they drive you bonkers bananas from time to time.)
And, if you’re not one of the lucky ones, just remember this quote from author Jonathan Bach:
“The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.”
Yet another lovely start to my week on reading your humorous heartfelt piece in appreciation of the source(s) of your being.