Amanda Lamb: Thank you

My daughters' school hosted grandparents' day on Friday.

My dad came in from Pennsylvania for the event. During the breakfast remarks, the head of the school thanked the grandparents for what they had done to encourage their children's education, which in turn influenced their grandchildren's education. I had never looked at it this way before, but it resonated with me.

Growing up, my parents always made it clear that my education was their priority and should be mine. They didn't push me, per se, They didn't have to as I was a very self-motivated student. But I always wanted to make them proud of me and a big part of that was doing well in school.

My parents firmly believed that giving me the best foundation possible when it came to education would set me up to do whatever I wanted to do when I eventually spread my wings and got out into the world. Their quiet and passionate dedication to my education has served me well. My husband and I are doing the same thing, and I hope it translates into my girls feeling like the world is full of possibilities for them.

One of the volunteer activities I really enjoy is interviewing potential students for my college alma mater. This past weekend, I talked to a young woman who will be the first person in her family to ever attend college.

When I asked her how her family felt about this, her face beamed. She shared with me that it wasn't just her parents that were excited, but her grandparents as well.

I pictured their pride at having worked so hard to be able to instill this dream in future generations. It brought the statement from grandparents' day full circle for me.

So, here it is: "Thank you Mom and Dad, thanks to my grandparents, and their parents, and everyone who came before me who believed that the next generation had limitless possibilities. Thank you for believing in me and giving me the tools to believe in myself, and in turn, allow me to believe in my children and their future."

I know I am lucky to have the parents I had, who gave me the education and support I needed to succeed. I hope someday my kids feel lucky too.