In this blog, I would like to just give some big props to my amazing parents, Kim and Dan. The harsh truth is that I have been ungrateful for things my entire life. The amount of time, money, love, and care that these two have put, not only into my life but my siblings lives, is unmatched. I know people say all the time, “I have the greatest parents in the world,” but the reality of that saying is that I actually believe it.
Let me give you a little background to set the stage.
Dan Oberg (AKA my pops) grew up in a house with two brothers and one sister. His parents, Grandma and Grandpa Oberg to me, worked their tail off to provide for their children. It is evident where he got his drive and motivation from. My dad went off to college at the University of Northern Colorado to pursue a degree in business. He had his fair share of stories and fun in college but what sticks out is all that he did for himself in this time. He had to make his own way after leaving the house. He got his first job when he was 13 years old… wait 13? He was in 7th grade! The more amazing thing is that he didn’t stop working until the beginning of this year when he retired from a long career.
Now for my momma. Kimberly Oberg (AKA mom,mom,mom,mom,mommy) grew up in Bay City, Michigan. Her parents, Grandma and Grandpa English, had two children, my mom and uncle Matt. They grew up in a fairly nice neighborhood and she attended the University of Michigan State (Sparty on!). Her parents worked night and day to provide opportunities like these for my mom. My mom read every textbook cover to cover throughout school and didn’t take opportunities like college and education for granted. She also retired in December of last year, after working 33 long years at the same company. I got the opportunity to work for the same company this past summer, and getting to see how much my mom did and hearing the stories was such a blessing.
This is where my ungratefulness comes into play. I sit here in Bulgaria thinking back to how much I have been given and the opportunities that have been placed before me because of my parents. I played just about every sport growing up (baseball, hockey, golf, basketball, soccer) and never went to a game without one of them being their to support me. My dad would work hours with me in the yard on my pitching. I got the opportunity to go to college and graduate with no student loans. The list goes on and on of what these two have provided not only for me but my brothers and sisters as well.
They are super heroes. They are caring. They are hardworking. They are loving. They are
forgiving.
They are my motivation. They are my back bone. They are my joy.
My brothers, sisters, and I have messed up countless times, and my parents have been there each and every time to help us learn from our mistakes. They have never once turned their backs on us. Always catching us when we fall. They show grace the way Jesus showed grace in his time here on earth. Always showing unconditional love and forgiveness in times where we didn’t deserve it. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.” Romans 3: 23-24.
I wanted to give this blog to my parents as an anniversary gift today. Letting them know that they are appreciated each and everyday. I love you both. I honor you both. Thanks for being the greatest parents a child could ever ask for and setting the bar high for my future family. Have an amazing day and happy anniversary!
