by Rebecca Ritchey
Michael Jordan said, “My heroes are and were my parents. I can’t see having anyone else as my heroes.” The months of May and June are months to honor mom and dad — the months we, as a society, take time to say “thank you” and “I love you.” Besides buying a card or dinner, here are some creative ways to say “I love you” to parents.
JOURNAL
Ask your parents to tell you a happy story from their childhood. Write it down and present it to them in a journal along with other happy memories.
SPEND TIME
Pastor Rick Warren said, “The best expression of love is time.” Spend meaningful quality time at regular intervals with your parents. Make eye contact, speak face to face, make memories, and watch a movie together. Time is love.
SAY IT
Hearing a heartfelt “I love you” can brighten anyone’s day. Hearing “I love you” from your child means the world — not a flippant saying, but a heartfelt and true statement of love.
PAY ATTENTION
A gift that says you’re paying attention is extremely appreciated. My mom loves the scent of patchouli so when I am out and about and I find something unique with the scent of patchouli, I pick it up for her.
PICTURE IT
Put together a physical photo album for your parents. Pictures of their lives from childhood, or of your life as a child and growing up. Include some thoughts about the pictures and make it fun. A picture truly is worth a thousand words!
LOVE LANGUAGE
Learn your parent’s love language, which is the best way they receive and feel love, and then put it into practice. The five love languages are acts of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time and receiving gifts. Observe your parents and find ways to show them love in their own language.
WRITE A LETTER
The art of letter writing is fading as technology takes main stage. Write your parents a letter telling them how grateful you are for them. Let them know what makes them special, what you appreciate, and make sure you express your love for them.
Get outside of the proverbial box this year and make your gift a memory!