"I always took it for granted, but over two decades later, I realize how incredibly lucky I was."

"Dad hauled Girl Scouts and Little League baseball players and football players all over. Coached teams, headed the Booster Club, and was always a community activist. You learn by observing."

"My mom would also chauffeur me around when I was in high school and didn’t have my driver's license yet. I can remember many days staying long after school to work in the dark room. And my mom was always there to pick me up at night and take me home. No complaining. I miss her so much."

"Friends were always welcome, after school, weekends, overnights, getting ready for dances, they could stay for dinner, and eat whatever snacks were around. It carried through to college and beyond, when my parents would invite me to bring home anyone who didn't have a place to go for a holiday. One of our best Easters was my little family of three, plus four of my college friends. My mom put together an Easter egg hunt, complete with prizes and baskets for everyone, and we were SAVAGE.And this is small, but I just really noticed it this year. We bought new supplies every year. School supplies, holiday wrapping paper, birthday decorations. We'd use what we had, too, but choosing things for the new year added to the excitement. I knew my parents kept an eye on the finances and worked hard, but there was definitely a sense that we were secure, and I didn't need to worry."

"They taught me about consent, not only in relation to sex, but also in relation to general bodily autonomy. They fully supported my interest in politics, helped me paint my first rally signs, and never shied away from discussing uncomfortable topics. I was also able to argue with them: Sometimes I realized I was wrong, sometimes they realized they were wrong, and sometimes we agreed to disagree. I always took it for granted, but over two decades later, I realize how incredibly lucky I was."

Please note: Some comments have been edited for length and/or clarity.