Proud parents look back to realize there were 7 core values that helped their son become the man he is today.
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Dear Son,
You left the nest 10 years ago for college in another state. You came home on your breaks and over the summer, and when you didn’t I traveled to see you. You are my boy, my only child, my heart.
In your last year of college, (your super-senior year because you added a major,) you met the “one.” Your dad and I adore her too. You moved to the East coast for a good job and a year later to the Southeast for a better job. The girl went along and joyfully is now your wife.
But after three years, you had the itch to do more and went back to school to get your MBA. Back to the East coast, this time in the Northeast. With one year down and another to go, organizations are already checking you out for potential employment.
Your dad and I are impressed. And frankly, we have to ask ourselves. Where did we go right?
What a fun conversation that turned out to be! How often do people look at their values and child rearing methods to see the good stuff?
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What a fun conversation that turned out to be! How often do people look at their values and child-rearing methods to see the good stuff?
Here is what we realized.
We passed down the values that we ourselves learned, and believed in – Family being the most important. We strive to attend family events and to always keep in touch and support each other.
We taught you the importance of appreciation – We encouraged you to send thank you notes to people that have helped you, made an impression on you, or been part of your growth. That small act we view as huge and it makes us proud.
We taught you the value of money – Earn first spend later, or as your dad says, eat your vegetables before your dessert. You took over most of your bills in college and we love how you budget your expenses.
We showed you the importance of helping others – Volunteering has always been important to us and we love that it is to you too. The feeling one gets making someone else’s life better is major heart-opening and you get that.
We illustrated relationships building –Reach out and connect with people. Be kind. Be sincere. Show you care and make the relationship about them, not you.
We encouraged community – Be part of something that you can grow with, and help to build it stronger and better.
We laughed. At ourselves and with each other, and with you. The sound of your laughter is pure joy to our ears.
We loved. Above all else, we loved each other. And we observe you and your wife doing the same.
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One of the best things about being your parent is watching the world through your eyes. Some things we have experienced as well, and some we haven’t, but we love to hear about your journey. Then there are the things we do as a family because we love to get together whenever we can and have fun.
One of the best things about being your parent is watching the world through your eyes.
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Someday (we hope soon) you will start your family. That will be a great experience to observe! I hope we have been good role models for you Son.
I hope you and your wife have the same conversation about your kids.
Love, Mom
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Photo: Getty Images