Celebrating 25 years of great parents

On Saturday I reached a milestone in my life, turning 25 years old.

In my first quarter century, my life underwent many changes (too many in my opinion), but one constant is the support of my parents. They contributed much enjoyment to my youth and tremendous assistance during the tumultuous college years. So if readers can wait a few weeks for the latest on pop culture (the summer movie season is upon us!) I would like to share just a few of the fond memories I have of my parents.

I was not always the easiest youth do deal with, as evidenced by my 14th birthday. Instead of going to a video arcade or skating rink, I asked for a night at the Four Seasons in downtown Seattle. It's one of my favorite birthdays and I still remember the grandeur of the hotel lobby, the feeling of luxury as I thumbed through the pages of the room service menu, and the thrill of putting on a suit to attend dinner.

While my parents sometimes indulged my pretentious tastes, they never spoiled me and always kept my feet on the ground. Looking back, I realize I developed somewhat of an ego during my teenage years, but they always kept me in check. I remember my mother telling me, while you may be better off than someone, you are not better. I shook it off when I heard it, but now know how important it is to remember.

I recall the summer I broke my wrist and interrupted our family vacation on Anderson Island by needing to visit the doctor. My dad took me to the mainland and after having a cast applied to my arm, he took me to see "Back to the Future: Part III," which took us to the Old West and away from thoughts of doctors and casts.

Because of my cast, I used only one hand, so when I spotted the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game in the lobby and just had to play it, it was a challenge. My dad held a tray of soda and popcorn in one hand, but together we used our available hands to play. I operated the joystick, while my dad simultaneously pushed the buttons and awkwardly balanced the snacks.

I've thought about this many times, and of how it's got to be a true sign of love to play one-handed video games in public with your son, while risking the loss of movie theater popcorn.

Movies have always been a significant part of my life and growing up, my mom took my sister and I to countless summer movies. Of all the great experiences, I know her favorite was in the summer of 1994 when we saw "Speed" on a sweltering afternoon.

I was a little young for R-rated movies and she had reservations about taking me, but she loved it and at some point as we watched the bus careen down the L.A. freeway, I remember her exact words as she leaned toward me and said, "This is a really good movie and I'm really glad we came!"

One of my favorite things from our movie-going days was when, as the lights were dimming before the show, she would kiss me on the cheek and tell me to "have fun."

My parents always supported my interests both serious and trivial.

Early on a Saturday morning eight years ago, before I had my driver's license, my dad drove me to buy Britney Spears concert tickets (floor seats!). He didn't seem to be bothered that he was the only father who brought his teenage son rather than his 10-year-old daughter.

In junior high, when I decided I would go to law school, he set up an appointment for me to meet with a lawyer so I could learn about the profession. A few years later when I decided to become a journalist, starting by writing movie reviews for my high school paper, I was worried he would be disappointed, but he never was, telling me I should follow my passion. I was never told by my parents to choose a career for financial reasons, but rather the personal fulfillment it brings, and I'm thankful every day for the lesson.

For my 21st birthday, my parents took me to Las Vegas, which is now my favorite place to visit. I have moved out of their house but that trip taught me I'll never be too old to share great times with my parents. Thanks, mom and dad for the first 25 years. I look forward to many more.

Chaz Holmes is the Columbia Basin Herald news assistant.