Mom and Dad might not openly express their feelings every day,
but they show their love through odd,
heartwarming, and often funny gestures.
At times, it can be irritating — until one day,
it clicks: the greatest gift in life
is the quiet assurance that someone always has your back,
and to them, you’ll always come first,
no matter what the world thinks.2.
At 17, I started feeling like the odd one out —
short, red-haired, freckled, and constantly teased for it.
I tried to hide it all with heavy makeup, dark hair dye, and baggy clothes.
My dad noticed the change and gently asked why.
Eventually, I broke down and told him everything. He smiled and said,
“Irene, sure, you’re short,
redheaded, and your legs aren’t supermodel-long.
That’s what makes you unique!
You’re beautiful —
just like me.”
Somehow, those words helped me accept myself.
