I have great respect for my parents. I got such beautiful things from both of them. It doesn't mean that we didn't have our rough times, but they were remarkable people who were open-minded, creative and hard-working, and had great senses of humor.

In this quote, Patti Smith expresses deep admiration and respect for her parents, acknowledging the significant positive influence they had on her life. She mentions that she received "such beautiful things" from both of them, highlighting the valuable traits and qualities they passed down to her. This could include not only love and support, but also important personal values and attributes such as creativity, open-mindedness, and hard work.

Smith also acknowledges that, like any family, there were rough times in her relationship with her parents. Despite these challenges, she emphasizes that her parents were remarkable individuals, implying that their positive traits outweighed any difficulties. The ability to work hard and remain open-minded in the face of adversity shows the resilience and strength that she admired in them.

The reference to their sense of humor adds another layer to her appreciation of her parents. Humor is often a coping mechanism in tough situations, and by describing her parents as having great senses of humor, Smith suggests that they had the ability to approach life with lightness and positivity, even during difficult times. This trait likely had a lasting impact on her own approach to life and creativity.

Ultimately, Smith’s quote underscores the profound influence of family on her development as a person and artist. She attributes much of her own character, work ethic, and creative spirit to the values instilled by her parents. Their open-mindedness, hard work, and humor shaped her perspective, allowing her to navigate life with a blend of resilience and joy.