Welcome to Doak Campbell

Have you ever felt that way? Ever felt that it was your lot in life, your God-given destiny to be in trouble? Have you ever felt like the only thing you are good for is as a little squeeze ball to release your parents’ anger?

Personally, I am not this way. I love my parents. They are the best parents in the world. They love me, care for me, protect me, provide for me, and do a whole bunch of other stuff!

But I can remember when it wasn’t like that. I remember when I was so angry that I didn’t like being around my parents. I remember the rebellious stage i went through (as a side note, I do not believe that it is “normal” for teens to go through a period of rebellion. It is their own choice.) where all I wanted to do was go up to my room and type on my computer.

Why am I saying all this? Well, cause I guess I wanted to air out these feelings. I can’t believe I went through that. I can’t believe I didn’t reach out and connect with my parents better. Now, I have barely any time left with them and there is so much I want to do!

I love going to the mall with my mom. Even if we don’t buy anything (which we usually do end up doing). I love going to Bath and Body Works and smelling all the cool lotions. I love going to Yankee Candle (which we don’t have out here!) and smelling all the candles! (I love candles!) I just love hanging out with my mom! She is really cool and fun to be with!

And then there’s my dad. To most people it would seem that my dad is quiet and reserved, but that’s so not true!!! My dad is fun. Whether it’s washing the car together (okay so Erin and I make it fun by spraying each other), taking road trips to Oregon with him, (that is really fun but I’m bummed cause we aren’t going this year!), or taking him down with Erin and wrestling with him (yeah we do! But he usually fakes being low (he’s a diabetic), we just have a good time. But my favorite thing to do with him is to go to a Dodgers game. We will go during the summers and get good seats and watch the game. Its always fun because when we are there, he always asks me if I want anything and then if I make the slightest mention of something, he’ll ask me if I want it and then buy it for me! (no I’m not spoiled! He just likes to treat me nicely, and I love it!) I also like going because I get to spend time with him. We have fun watching the game and analyzing each play, but more fun is the talks we have on the way to the game (I’m usually asleep on the way home).

Overall I just love my parents! Why am I telling you all this? Why am I showing you a part of my heart that I don’t think even my parents have fully seen? Because I don’t want you to regret your teen years. I don’t want you to look back on your life and wish you could have spent more time with your parents. I do wish I could have back all the times I missed spending time with them. All the memories we could have made.

But I do look at the times we have had together and I am so thankful. I realize that not all kids have great parents like I do! And I am so thankful!

Mom, I love you so much! I appreciate all you do for me! I love how you care for me and provide for me even when I don’t deserve it! I love how you want to do fun things with me even if I am not fully appreciative! I just wanted to let you and the world know that I love you so much and I treasure the time we spend together! I would never for a minute trade the times we have together for anything else! I’m looking forward to going shopping in Gatlinburg and to being together at the Dixie Stampede! Thank you so much for all you’ve done and I love you!

Dad, well dad, you are one great dad! You work hard to provide for us as a family. You work hard to let us have nice vacations! I love spending time with you! I love going to games with you and just hanging out. I love just talking to you on the way home from work at night. Okay so I sleep most the time on the way to school but it’s 7:00 in the morning! (And I’m sorry for not always being ready on time!) I love the time we’ve spent together and all the wisdom you’ve imparted to me! (even if you flip out every time I mention a guy’s name ). I love you so very much and I would never trade the times we spend together for anything! I am looking forward to spending Christmas together at Aunt Lorie and Uncle Richard’s. (Maybe you could play football with us again!) Thank you for all you’ve done for us and I love you so very much!

Even though my parents will more than likely never read this article or these letters, I wanted to write them. (more than likely I will show them in a few days)

Please don’t take the time you have with your parents for granted! Do things together! Build that bond with them! Make them your best friends! After everyone else in you life has left, your parents will always be there for you! Tell them how much you appreciate them today!