What They Taught Me

I have seen a lot of information lately about the messages we give our children. How incredibly important those messages are and how they become an almost organic part of the way our children see the world and how they move through life. I have seen it work both positively and negatively.

My grandfather, for example, saw his own scholar father waste his life through the disease of alcoholism. I don’t pretend to know what transpired between them but I do know, as an adult, my grandfather would have nothing to do with his father. My grandfather was a man of integrity, a leader in his community and a family man. He was compassionate and giving to others. And a non-drinker.

This led me to think about the lessons I learned from my parents and how they shaped my own journey.

My father taught me humility, absolute honesty, bravery, the power of imagination, a love of music, compassion for others and a deep love of family.

My mother taught me to truly see and appreciate nature, the meaning of unconditional love, a passion for literature, perseverance, resiliency and, by example, strength.

In a perfect world I would have passed on these messages/lessons to my children. If I could leave a legacy… that would be it.