My Forever Heroes By: Sam Di Santi

 My Forever Heroes By: Sam Di Santi 

Introduction: 

Almost everyone thinks their parents are the best parents, that no one could do better than they did. It's often a cliche that people wish their parent's Happy Mother's Day or Happy Father's Day, but I believe that level of appreciation should be celebrated all year. While many people say their parents are the best without meaning, I mean it wholeheartedly. When I say my parents have given me my best chance, the best childhood, and the most loving home where I can thrive and be who I want to be, I mean it with every ounce of my soul. I am undoubtedly the luckiest child to have been given such an amazing family with the privilege of living such a wonderful life. This post is dedicated to my Mom and Dad, and how much they have sacrificed for me so I can have everything I've ever wanted. 

Mom:

    This begs the question, why are my parents so special? What makes them my heroes? My Mom has given up thirty years of her life dedicated to raising us, taking care of us, loving us, and sacrificing everything so we could have the best life possible. She has always been and will always be the most selfless person I know. I have four siblings, all of whom have graduated from college and now lead successful careers. There is no doubt in my mind that this is because of the sacrifice both my mother and father have made for all of us. My Mom is an immigrant, her family waited over a decade to get into America the right way and I will always admire her for that. They didn't cut the line, they didn't bend the rules, they worked hard and made it in America. My mom has no doubt faced hardships in her life, but she has never once complained about any of them. She is a strong woman and is my inspiration for who I want to be when I grow up. I don't say it nearly often enough, but my mom is amazing, she IS the best mom, there is no doubt about it.  My mom is a stay at home mother, her entire life she has taken care of us. I know that if she had not been a stay at home mom, I would not be the same person I am today, and that sacrifice is something I will never take for granted. Modern-day feminists often put down stay at home mothers. They are "just" a mother, they aren't reaching their full potential because they chose to stay at home with their children. This could not be further from the truth, being a stay at home parent is the career that allows for all other careers to exist. She clocked in 30 years ago and has never clocked out. This isn't meant to degrade working parents, but we also shouldn't put down mothers who make the choice to stay at home.   If it weren't for her, I would not be nearly as successful as I have been. My mother is not a victim of the patriarchy as some may assume, she is a strong, independent, woman who has the hardest career on the planet. If it weren't for my parents I would not be the same Sam, the same person. My Mom is my rock, and the level of appreciation I have her is beyond what my words can describe. She is kind, selfless, loving, loyal, and the person I aspire to be. She is my inspiration and I hope when I become a mom one day, I can be even half the person she is. 

My Mom, Dad, brother, and I when we picked up Gus. 

My Mom and I at my white coat ceremony. 

Dad: 

    I often find that many people, especially women, discount their fathers and the sacrifices they have made for them. Everyone is always up to praise their mom, but when it comes to dads there is some sort of disconnect. It's as if just because they didn't carry you for nine months their effort in raising you isn't as significant as your mom's. This couldn't be further from the truth for me. My father has been working since he was ten-years-old, he has had a multitude of jobs and is the most hard-working person I know. He has worked jobs he doesn't like, he has traveled when he didn't want to and did everything he could so we could have the best childhood possible and never have to worry about money.  Even though my dad works, he has always been there. For every important event, every birthday, every concert, every induction, graduation, or anything else that was important to me, he made it his mission to be there. I often find that this is where people complain about their fathers because they were the primary breadwinner and were never home. It's about priorities, my father made his family his number one priority and whenever we needed him he always delivered. I have never once been disappointed in or disappointed by my father and that is a privilege I do not take for granted. Even though my dad is the breadwinner in our household, he has never been absentee and has always shown how much he loves us. He is always there for me, giving advice, and helping me through any problem I've ever had. He is so inspiring and his work ethic, dedication, and compassion is something we can all aspire for. If it wasn't for the sacrifices he has made for our family, it's possible I wouldn't be in the same position I am today. I am not like those people who discount their fathers, I appreciate him with everything I have and know that I am so lucky to have him in my life. He is my role model and he has shown me how a man should treat the woman he loves. He treats my mom with the utmost respect, as he should, and is an amazing role model for the future husband I will have. My parents have been married for 31 years and I aspire to have a marriage like theirs one day.    I hope I can one day be half the person he is and find someone who loves me just as much as he loves my mom. Growing up in a home where your parents truly love and respect each other is a privilege I recognize and I am forever grateful that these two amazing people raised me. 

The whole Di Santi Family. 

My Mom & Dad Celebrating their 30th Anniversary. 

My Dogs & Everything Else They've Given to Me: 

    As most of you know already, I have always had a very special attachment to my dogs. I love them with all of my heart and they are something I am most thankful for in my life. I have had four amazing dogs in my life, all of which have had different personalities, interests, and special ways of doing things. If it weren't for my parents providing the resources, supplies, and support to take care of these dogs, one of the biggest parts of my life wouldn't exist. I am so grateful that my parents have trusted me enough and allowed me to take care of some amazing animals. They have also provided a roof over my head, clothes on my back, a LOT of food, and everything else I've always needed. They not only provided me with the necessities of life, but they've also given me a loving home where I have always been appreciated and accepted. I know not many people can say this about their parents and that is why I am so thankful for being able to have this privilege in my life.  

My Mom and Gus when we picked him up. 

My Dad and Rosie when we picked her up. (If you couldn't tell, we're dog people) 

So, How are They Heroes?: 

    I'm sure after reading this, you must think my parents are pretty great people (they are), but I haven't exactly stated why they're my heroes. They are the best people I have ever known and are the definition of heroism. They are selfless, compassionate, loving to each other and to us, they have sacrificed everything for us, and that sacrifice was no easy feat. They are my role models, my inspiration, and if I am even half the people they are, I'd say my life has been successful. I have admired them my whole life and don't say it nearly often enough, but, with my whole heart, I appreciate everything they have ever done for me and their role in giving me the most amazing life. To my Mom and Dad: You have always been, and will always be, the best parents ever. I hope I can one day give my kids a life similar to the one I've had and that my parents always know how great they are. Thank you for everything Mom and Dad, I owe it all to you.