25 things i like about my parents

as the first one went missing, so i shall try again...
after a visit home, the things i like, admire, would like to emulate, about my parents:

1. they have classical music playing in the house, in the car, all the time.
2. the have a lot less knick knacks than most seniors i know.
3. they are faithful meals-on-wheels volunteers. my mother has done it for probably 20 years, my dad joined her when he retired 10 years ago.
4. my dad volunteers at homestead, which provides housing for adults who are mentally ill. he drags some friends along when he needs extra help.
5. my mom has an orchid collection. when she takes care of it, it reminds me of joey taking care of his lizards. they even mist their respective collections in the same manner.
6. they are great cooks.
7. they are gracious hosts.
8. the first day i was home, three people stopped by at different times. all activities cease for visiting, and they genuinely welcome guests.
9. they live in a large, 1850s era home.
10. nearly all their day time hours are spent in the sunroom, which is about 12x12 square feet.
11. they are generous.
12. my dad just signed up for a computer course at the local library.
13. i still haven't figured out how my mom gets her laundry smelling so good.
14. and no one can iron as well as she can.
15. my mom is a voracious reader and library user. not many immigrant women her age read anything in english.
16. my dad took on a new hobby and is making all his kids grandfather clocks.
17. my dad is very free with his opinions. he has lots of them.
18. my dad, especially, can laugh at himself.
19. they have the worst television ever. the colour is fading so that people look ghostly, and there are the strangest white spots that cascade down the screen on the channel they watch most frequently.
20. they are content.
21. i found, next to the computer, in my dad's handwriting, the phrase, "deep fried beef roast."
22. they have kept the violent green shag carpet from the 70s in their bedroom.
23. my dad is an eternal optimist.
24. my mom just signed up for the gym. she told two of her friends and they've signed on, as well. i am so relieved... she's in danger of losing her mobility and this could make such a big difference.
25. my dad has more energy and ambitions than many 50 year olds... he said the other day that when he retired, he wished he had joined a highschool band so he could learn to play trumpet.
"that's over 10 years ago, i'd be really good by now." (he's never struggled with self esteem issues or self doubt.)
i asked what was stopping him (kind of jokingly, he is turning 77...) i was ready to do the slightly snarky, "you're never too old" thing.
"i don't have time! i'm too busy!"

and it's true. they have managed to continue outside interests and new pursuits. their lives are full, and though i'm not always around them, it's good to go home and remember that there are many things i admire.