Published in The Huffington Post - Life & Style Section under "Parents" on Fevruary 17, 2012 I am an unapologetic optimist, not because I see the world through rose-colored glasses or have Pollyannaish sensibilities, it's because I have been a student of DreamMakers all my life -- my Parents. Mom and dad are the two most courageous, caring, visionary people I have ever met; they are remarkable. They are what I call DreamMakers -- people who found the courage to put their vision and values to work to make their hopes and dreams come true in the face of tremendous obstacles. My parents have lived a long life; mom is 89 and dad is 88 years old and their character, courage, and commitment to their vision and values remains unwavering. Mom and dad came from very challenging beginnings. Mom lost her mother at the young age of seven and her father deserted her and her siblings. They were moved four times to different homes by the time she was ten years old. However, my