Things I Thought I Knew...But Didn't

I thought I knew how to say no...my to do list is always growing.

I thought I knew how my life would turn out...really I'm one of the last people I consult.

I thought I knew that God would answer my prayers...really I was just molding God's Will to match my wants.

I thought I knew that that my parents were great parents...really they are even more amazing role models.



Neither of my parents have college degrees.  My dad is a farmer and a retired Union Laborer.  My mom works for the Abe Lincoln Veteran's Cemetery.  Both of them instilled in all 5 of us the importance of an education.  All 5 of us have continued on to further our education outside of high school. 

 "opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls, and it looks like work." 

Many people are born with extraordinary talents...pianists, artists or athletes.  I wouldn't put any family member in one of those categories.  My parents taught me that there is no substitute for hard work.  Sure, I was the weak link when it came to this, and really didn't put this into practice until my final year in college. But it has definitely paid off in life. 

My dad taught my son James what an imagination is.  He spent countless hours with him on the floor pushing cars, trains and anything with wheels.  He'd march him to the window and point to the moon so often that when Grandpa would go back to the farm, my 12 month old would point to the moon and say, "Grandpa's moon."  Grandpa Farm would climb the playground equipment and go down slides with James.  When they play baseball they both pause and wave to the invisible crowd before...a swing and a miss.  My dad worked extremely hard to provide for us when we were growing up.  I've witnessed him strap his overalls on every day of the week to feed veal calves or plow...you name it. He also missed out on a lot. But not anymore- he's willing to listen and even give advice if I need it.  He's always willing to drop everything and drive down, just to help out. 

My mom never said no to reading a book to me when I was growing up.  I'd crawl into her lap hundreds of times and she would take me on any adventure I pleased.  My mom has had more pain in her life then anyone I've met. She's lost many people- one was taken from her when she was too young. But, she still continued to lose people.  I sometimes think that my mom has lost so much that God is giving our family a breather.  But my mom's faith in God never wavers.  She taught me the importance of going to church-not just saying, "I believe!" She taught me to never quit, even when it seems like that's the only option. She also taught me that it's ok to feel like running away- she also offers to run away with me, whenever the feeling strikes. 

My parents have both taught me the importance of philanthropy.  They've given to countless organizations- the earliest memory I have of this is bringing toys to an orphanage.  They give every Christmas to the Kuzma Care Cottage  our small town food pantry.  We also no longer give each other Christmas gifts.  Instead, we donate the money to a family scholarship fund that goes to a high school student in my hometown. They've taught me that "community matters."

My role models aren't high priced athletes, actors who "can't get it together" or strung out singers.  My role models taught me to want to be a better person.  They've taught me to take leadership on issues I believe in.  They've taught me that there is nothing more important than your family.