Learning of the past

My parents have recently moved and their friends made them a memory book filled with lots of comments and best wishes.

Reading through it helped me to see a side of my parents of which I had not been fully aware. Many of the comments spoke of valued friendships, help in times of difficulty, practical and emotional support, fun and laughter.

As a child, the perception of your parents is formed by the egocentric way in which you feel their lives revolve around you.

Through the teenage years, the start of the sometimes difficult process of developing an adult relationship with your parents begins. And developing an adult relationship with them involves understanding your parents have other important interests, relationships and concerns.

Reading through their friends' comments has added another facet to my understanding of who my parents are.