Doing what I can but wishing I could do more

I got the oil pump and oil pan gasket for my mom's car yesterday, and took it over. Mom and dad had no idea I was coming over, they were thinking I was going to come over today. They surely didn't have any idea I was coming over with the parts for mom's car. I also got some tomatoes at the store for dad because he mentioned something last weekend about him wanting some, and that my uncle said he needed to come get some but dad told him money is too tight for him to burn that much gas to drive over and get them. So I figured I'd get him some when I came over. $7 and some change for 4 big tomatoes is crazy, but I don't have a problem buying something for mom or dad if I have the money.

Mom was working when I got to the house, and dad just so happened to come outside for fresh air when I pulled in. Dad and I sat and talked for awhile, and then went to pick up mom from work. She was surprised to see me at the restaurant. Dad didn't tell her about what I brought until we got back to the house. Mom acted like she thought she had to pay me back for the car parts when she had enough money, because she give me grief for doing stuff for them. I told her I don't want her money, I did it because they needed it and I could do it.

The part that really got me was something each of them said. Dad said he bet more parents wished they had a son like me that does stuff for them without expecting anything in return, and goes out his way time and time again. I don't think of it as doing anything more than what I should, they're my parents, if I can do something to help them I do it without a second thought or desire for anything in return. It gets to me sometimes that I can't do more for them. What dad said made me feel good, but what mom said had me fighting back tears. She was choked up and started crying last night, and said she wishes she could do more for me, and that she can't tell me how much her and dad appreciates what I do for them.

Mom is very emotional, she always has been. She worries alot with how tight things are for them financially, and about dad's health. She always worries about me too, even though she knows I can take care of myself. She has such a big heart, and I know that's where I get mine.

The thing is there isn't anything she can do more for me, she has done more than enough. She made ends meet and provided for me growing up. Her and dad made sure I knew nothing was going to be handed to me, that I had to work hard for everything I get. She has been there for me when I needed a voice of reason and had nowhere else to turn. She was the only one I heard in the stands when I played football, her and dad never missed any of my football or baseball games, they are and always will be my biggest fans. They were there when I showed my dog in 4-H, they went to all my county and state fair shows. There's nothing else they can do for me that they haven't already done.