I have been thinking lately about being a parent.  This month I will have been a parent for thirty amazing years... most of which have been wonderful.  Nothing can describe the feeling you get when you commit to a child forever, or in some cases, for as long as you can.  There have been ups and downs, sleepless nights and endless days, broken hearts and triumphs as well as tragedies.  And after it all I confess I would sign up for it all over again.  Being a mother defines my true identity, it is the mark I will leave on this earth.  Someone said that when you sacrifice for someone they become more dear and important to you.  Maybe that's why parents love their kids so much.  But I really don't consider the past thirty years with my five children a sacrifice.  Sure, I didn't advance very far in my chosen career outside the home, my body looks rather tired and wrinkly and money for fancy cars, fast boats and exotic vacations went to braces and college educations.  But I consider myself the wealthiest woman in the world.  I got to raise some absolutely great human beings who are making good choices and contributing to this world.  I have had the privilege of helping these young people navigate their way through this increasingly difficult time.  Through it all, at the end of a long day, I sit down, put my feet up, the door opens and one of them yells, "Mom!" I smile and consider myself also the luckiest girl in the world.  If I could be so bold as to give some advice to young parents just starting out on the most important job you will ever do, it would be this: Consider yourself blessed for the opportunity you have to be a parent.  Enjoy every minute you have with these sweet little ones.  Because one day, you too will realize that you have been a mom or dad for thirty years and you will be wondering where the time went and the kid bolting through the door yelling, "Mom," will be off to college.  Thank goodness for grandchildren.