mom's day and a pet peeve
2006-05-14 - 8:08 a.m.

In other news, I'm once again reminded that where there are generous people, there are people who have no qualms with taking advantage. For my entire life, I've watched people take advantage of my parents -- family "friends" who will let my folks pay for everything on vacations, parents who'd never pay for my meals when out with their families but who never thought to pay for their children when out with mine, and friends, relatives and co-workers who'll regularly ask not to borrow but to have. And then there's the people who don't ask for money, but just cry poor mouth constantly knowing full well that my folks will offer.

My parents, bless their hearts, have helped put other people's children through school, clothed them, fed them, housed them, bought them sporting and music lessons, instruments, etc. Often with no thanks given at all. It drives me a wee bit insane. It's not like my parents are wealthy people. But even in times when they didn't have a dime to spare, they'd give away the nickle they did have.

Don't get me wrong. I love their generous nature. It's part of what makes them such wonderful human beings. I've tried to follow their lead but take some lessons from it as well. People smell generosity like dogs smell bitches in heat and come running with their hands out. Consequently, my parents are surrounded by leeches who don't even recognize that their willingness to accept my parents' generosity often crosses the line and grossly abuses their friendship. My parents, for their part, choose to ignore it. The giving makes them feel good.

I suppose the worst part in that is I've heard people excuse their own behaviour for that very reason. I'm their daughter and I could never imagine not standing on my own two feet just because it made my parents feel good to carry me. I have them to thank for that drive to be independent.

My mom's the most awesome mom on the planet. She drives me a little crazy sometimes, but if I could only be half as good as mother as she, Ryan would still come out ahead.

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