The Older I Get, The Smarter My Parents Get

My dad often said, “The older I get the smarter my parents get.” I didn’t get it until I got older and started appreciating the lessons and values I learned from him. I quote him often in my writing and training, and share many stories of his wisdom in my professional work. I tell most of his best jokes, over and over until my kids roll their eyes.

After he died I remember the first time I used past tense in a story. Instead of saying, “My dad says…” I said, “My dad used to say.” It was a moment of acceptance and grief, but also an opportunity to stop and appreciate the seeds he planted and legacy that he left in me. 

My oldest daughter, Lauren graduated college this past Spring and started physical therapy school. She’s living with relatives in Kansas City and really having to step up in terms of independence, contribution around the house, and self-discipline. Amazingly, she’s been sharing with her mother and I how much she appreciates how we raised her. She is seeing it bear fruit in her own life and is humble enough to tell us. Pretty amazing for a 22 year-old. Thanks Lauren! It means more than you know.

The icing on the cake; she just got engaged! Her fiancé is a gem, a salt of the earth guy with tons of compassion and a gentle spirit. He has a lot of the same values and qualities we tried to instill in Lauren. #noredflags

My heart is full of joy from experiencing Lauren’s gratitude, watching her grow up, and knowing she will spend her life with an amazing guy. This is a special moment in time.

Have you thanked the people who help build you?

Have you appreciated the small ways your kids start to live out the things you taught them?

Take a moment to soak it in. And let them know.

Copyright Next Element Consulting, LLC 2019