re: Do You Feel Like You Made Your Parents Proud?

Yes. In all ways but one that I can think of.

I had my frick-ups in college and had to sit out a year, but went back and got serious, stayed on the Dean's list from then on and graduated with a strong GPA. I've always had a job and progressed upwards slowly but steadily. My dad and I are the only one's in my family that got a college degree and I know that isn't everything but I also know my parents are proud of me for it.

I am a leader in my professional life, home life, and hobby life too. I don't know what it is about me but people look to me to lead and give advice. I think I listen well.

I've performed the eulogy at all of the family funeral services since I was 23 or so. They just look to me to be able to stand up there and power through it.

As far as the area I think they wish more of me, I don't have any kids. My first marriage was my college sweetheart. But she was an extremely driven career woman who was married to her job first and me second. We were together 13 years with no kids before we split.

My second wife is a sweetheart but had precancerous cells on her uterus so she had to have a partial hysterectomy. SO she's not having any. The thing is, I've never been super drawn to having kids anyway. But without trying to sound boastful, I think I'd make a good father. It just wasn't in the cards.

My younger brother had just about the complete opposite life. Very smart but lazy as hell and popped out with a chip on his shoulder that everything was the world's fault, not his. Barely graduated high school. Hasn't ever really had a solid job that you'd call a career. Until now, but it's manual labor and low income. He married two trainwreck women, luckily neither marriage produced kids.

He's on his third marriage now and I think it will stick. She came with four kids so my mom has four step grandchildren to spoil and I think that's enough to keep her happy.

I am fortunate that my family is very loving and open with their love. I've been told I was loved and made them proud throughout my life and I know that the feeling that I had a bedrock solid foundation of emotional support always there has helped me through the tough times.

Parents, TELL YOUR KIDS YOU LOVE THEM. TELL THEM YOU ARE PROUD OF THEM when they do something to warrant it!