After becoming a parent in 1984, I began to understand the opportunities and responsibilities I had to help shape a little person into a cool and self-assured big person. And this new experience helped me realize how hard my Mom and Dad had worked to help me become an independent and competent man...so that when it was time for me to take the torch, I wouldn't drop it. Were they perfect? No. Am I perfect? No. But their intent was truly loving, noble and well-meaning. And along the way they taught me a lot of valuable things that I didn't know I needed to know...and I love and appreciate them for it. I am so fortunate that life dealt me those two cards. What You Mean To Me © 2024 - Joey Arata