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I guess I am different in that my Parents, although good people were not upstanding pillars of the community, they were hard working, honest, every day people. They provided us with a good Christian education, and allowed my Grandmother to take us to church every Sunday, although regular church attendance was not their strong suit. My Parents taught me as much about morality through their mistakes as they did through their guidance.

Both of my parents had impeccable work ethics. The only time I recall my father missing work was when he had a Hernia, and my MotherI don't remember her ever missing work. I remember plenty of days she was ill, but never missed work. I don't recall feeling lost or neglected coming home from school to an empty house (with the exception of my sisters.) There was consistency in the days, weeks and months.

My Parents drank, quite heavily. This affected me profoundly as a child. It also, however, affected me as an adult but in a positive light because I never did become one to drink much alcohol. My parents argued, especially when drinking. This too, taught me morals. I am considered to be a very fair, patient person. In fact, I refuse to really argue, if it becomes a shouting or name calling match. I try to remain calm and stick to the facts. When I do get angry, I get over it quickly.

Our Family took annual vacations. This taught me the importance of balancing work, and family time. It taught me to appreciate different areas and different people. It taught me that hard work CAN pay off, if even in a small way. I consider our vacation times to be some of the happiest, although, there were a few small disagreements there as well.

Probably the most important thing I learned from them is honesty. At my Father's funeral, I can't recall how many times I heard people say "John was the most honest person I ever met." I'm afraid my children do not yet appreciate that trait in me, although they don't realize they carry it as well. Come to think of itI didn't appreciate anything my parents taught me, knowingly or not, until I was much older.

I appreciate every value and moral my parents taught me. Even the ones it seemed they were not hitting the mark on. We learn by our parent's behavior, and if we are lucky, we learn the right way to do things from seeing them done wrong sometimes. My parents did the best they could. In fact, my father told me that one time. He said "I am being the best kind of Father I know how." In turn, even though I know I make mistakes with my own children, I am being the best Mom I know how. I teach them what I was taught, Honesty, work ethic, responsibility, and morality.

Learn more about this author, Veronica Bright.
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