I hope and pray that our children will always know they are loved.  We say it to them many times a day, and we show them our love in so many different ways.  And I always am astonished that I’m able to do that – given the lack of love that I felt as I was growing up, from my own family.

Someone recently asked me where our kids got their personalities from, especially since all four are different.  My response?  From the fact that we encouraged them, their entire lives, to be themselves and to know that they are loved (by us and many others) unconditionally.  No matter what they do, they will be loved.  That gives them room to grow into the person they want to be.  It gives them the opportunity to shine their own lights, instead of living in our shadows.  And I think it also gives them a tether, of love, so they CAN be themselves.

I certainly can’t say that I am a good parent – because I am flawed in many ways.  I have expectations, mostly pertaining to manners and respect of others … but, in my quest to help the next generation be better than the last, I pray daily that my kids will shine in their own lights.  I pray they take their smarts and their dreams and use one to find the other. 

And with love, I know they can make it – no matter what path they choose!  Even if some of their individuality is in the “goofy” range.