My Parent's

So, let me tell you a little story about my parents. They're pretty awesome, and honestly, sometimes I wonder how they ended up together because they're so different.

My mom, Karen, is this super organized, always-on-time, type-A personality. She's the kind of person who has a color-coded calendar and a to-do list for everything. I swear she even had a to-do list for making to-do lists at one point. She loves gardening and has this amazing backyard filled with flowers and veggies. It's like our own little Eden.

Then there's my dad, Mike. He's the complete opposite. He's laid-back, never in a hurry, and kind of goes with the flow. He's the guy who'll decide to build a treehouse on a whim and then actually do it, without any plans or blueprints. He loves tinkering with stuff, and our garage is filled with all his half-finished projects and random tools.

They met in college, which is hilarious because Mom was the top of her class, and Dad was, well, let's just say he was more into 'extracurricular activities.' But somehow, they clicked. Dad always says he fell for Mom when he saw her organizing a charity event on campus. Mom says she liked how Dad could make her laugh, even when she was stressed out.

One of my favorite stories about them is how they decided to get married. They were on a road trip, just driving with no real destination, which is very much a 'Dad thing' to do. They ended up in this tiny town with a cute little chapel, and Dad, being spontaneous, suggested they get married right then and there. Mom, surprisingly, agreed. So, in their jeans and t-shirts, they found a local pastor and tied the knot. No big wedding, no fancy dress, just them and the moment.

Growing up with them was an adventure. Mom's structure and Dad's spontaneity balanced each other out. Our family vacations were a mix of planned tours and unexpected detours. One time, we were supposed to go to the Grand Canyon, but Dad took a wrong turn, and we ended up in this quirky little town with a festival going on. It turned out to be one of the best trips ever.

Despite their differences, or maybe because of them, they've made it work for over 30 years. They've taught me that it's okay to be different and that sometimes, the best things in life come from blending those differences together.

So yeah, that's my parents. Two very different people who somehow make the perfect team. And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.