I don't know about your community but we have a lot of cars around here with bumper stickers that say "Proud to be the parent of an honor student." While this is something to certainly be proud of, I am looking back as the mother of two grown children now. I reflect often on my effectiveness as their mother. I blame myself for every little obstacle they face, wondering if I did enough, if I encouraged the right things, did I push hard enough when needed, or too hard?
The other day I saw a bumper sticker that read :"I love my kids whether or not they are honor students." I smiled at this because now that my children are well into adulthood I realize the greatest joy in my life is knowing that I raised two good, kind, loving people. In the end what matters is the person you helped form, not how much money they make or what school they graduated from. If you have a child who is content in life, a child who takes time to visit their grandparents, a child who will still confide in you - you've done something right. I guess I did.
COEXIST: Poetry, Books, and Essays by Diane Vogel Ferri
8 comments:
Mom, it's because I have the most caring, compassionate and understanding mother anyone could ever ask for. And I know how lucky I am to have the unconditional love that only a (good) mom could give.
Love you.
I love this post. You have done such a great job of raising your kids, and your kids love you so much in return. I am so proud of them. You sister loves you, as well.
Good point. Too many bumper stickers and signs in front yards around here. What about the kid who is NOT an honor student??
Dianne
What a beautiful post....
Linda
Nicely said, Diane. And timely, too. Thanks.
AMEN! Great post!
I love that your daughter reads your blog and comments!
What a pleasure to read a post where personal qualities rate where they should, well above the achievement, laudable though that may be, of any honours degree.
I so agree!
I think it is so necessary that our kids know we love them regardless of their academic performance or sports or whatever. It just puts pressure and limits on how they think we feel about them.
Sorry I haven't visited, I think of you often!
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