Sorry folks. This parent gig never ends. Not even when they’re 43.

I have done a few things to make my parents proud.

In high school, I won a couple of athletic scholarships.

I was the first person in my family to go to college.  And get a masters degree.

And, best of all, I have given them 7 really cute grandkids.

But I have also put them through the ringer.

Big time.

I have lied to them,  worried them, and borrowed (a lot of) money from them.

I have drank myself into a stupor and puked all over their house, banged up a couple cars, gotten busted for throwing parties at my great grandmother’s house, and dated some serious assholes.

I have ended up in the nuthouse after a major bout with depression.

But they have always been there.

I’m sure they have often questioned whether I was a worthwhile investment.

Well, yesterday, they went above and beyond.

Again.

Yesterday, I showed you what my house looked like.

Well, today it looks like this

and this

and this.

My car is even clean.

My mom and dad were here for 11 hours yesterday.

11 hours of cleaning.

Well, we did take a short break for the tree.

But they worked their asses off.

And I’d like to say this is the last time I’ll ever ask them to do anything like this for me again.

But they know better.

Yeah, I’d say they’re not your average grandparents.

So thanks, Mom and Dad.

I think I’m ready for Dateline.

You can relax now.

You’ve put in your time.  You’ve paid your dues.

Now it’s my turn to be there for you.

Oh.  Wait.

I forgot one thing…

Can you babysit on Tuesday?

I promise, after that, then it’s my turn to be there for you…