I often hear my friends talk about when they grow up and have families, they want their house to have an open door. They want a household that is always welcoming to their children and their friends. Well, that was my house growing up, and I’m so grateful for that. Having parents that were always welcoming to anyone and everyone was truly a blessing and has made me want to give my kids the same one day.

My parents are so generous. Growing up, they were always so welcoming to my friends as well as my brothers’ friends. Our friends, regardless of race, sexual orientation, or home life, were always welcome at my house. To some, we were one of the few stable places they could come to. My parents fed my brothers’ friends and mine and if they slept over, made sure they got a good amount of sleep. My parents knew some of our friends’ parents didn’t feed them right or make sure they slept well, so they took care of them whenever they could. Witnessing my parents express this much generosity and caring for kids who aren’t biologically theirs really humbled me. I realized am so blessed for the parents I have and not everyone is as lucky as I am.

During my brothers’ sports seasons, teammates were always welcome to come over in between school and games for relaxation and a great meal. Anytime a friend had something that was bothering them, my mom was there with a listening ear and a comforting smile. It’s truly amazing to see how many of my brothers’ friends and mine appreciated my parents. They really loved having someone there for them who cared for them, no matter what was going on at home. Having parents that displayed this kind of love and caring made this a norm to me at such a young age. This taught me to love, respect, and help others who may not be like me. People are people and should be treated with dignity and respect no matter what. I am so blessed to have been taught this growing up, because I know no different today. No matter what intolerance I see towards people who are different nowadays, I know I will treat people the way they are meant to be treated because of the love and respect I was raised with.

When planning a get together growing up, there was never a question of where to go, because my friends knew my door was always open. They knew my parents were so welcoming and would love to have them over. I grew up knowing friends and togetherness was a blessing. I was truly blessed to grow up in an open door house and am blessed to have the parents I do. Without them, I would not be the person I am today. I am a person who loves and respects all people and cares with my whole heart. When I have my own family one day, I want to raise my children the same way I was raised and in a household with an open door to any and all of their friends.