This post comes from my father-in-law Bob Willman
Liz was aware that Robbie and his best friend had been bickering for the past two weeks. Both she and Daniel's mother had to intercede on several occasions. After the Easter break, Robbie was seen away from the other children, during recess. The principal, being aware that a pedophile had recently been released to a halfway house near the community, was concerned about Robbie being alone and approached him. As she approached she could see Robbie speaking. "Who are you speaking to Robbie?" she asked. "God" was his answer. "I am not getting along well with Daniel and I am asking for God's help." The principal was moved to tears when she advised the boy's teacher. Later that afternoon when Lizzie went to pick up her son the principal overheard Robbie's teacher briefing Liz. "Wait that's my story" and the principal started at the beginning. Liz said that it was an emotional story as this was the first time, in a career of occasions, that a student was seen speaking to God.
May you all be so blessed.
bOb
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The paradox of Life
The paradox of our time in history is that we have
taller buildings, but shorter tempers;
wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints;
we spend more, but have less;
we buy more, but enjoy it less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families;
more conveniences, but less time;
we have more degrees, but less sense;
more knowledge, but less judgment;
more experts, but more problems;
more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life;
we’ve added years to life, not life to years.
We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.
We’ve conquered outer space, but not inner space;
we’ve done larger things, but not better things.
We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul;
we’ve split the atom, but not our prejudice.
We write more, but learn less;
we plan more, but accomplish less.
We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait;
we have higher incomes, but lower morals;
we have more food, but less appeasement;
we build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication;
we’ve become long on quantity, but short on quality.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion;
tall men, and short character;
steep profits, and shallow relationships.
These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare;
more leisure, but less fun;
more kinds of food, but less nutrition.
These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw away morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom;
a time when technology has brought this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to make a difference, or to just hit delete…
By Dr. Bob Moorehead
taller buildings, but shorter tempers;
wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints;
we spend more, but have less;
we buy more, but enjoy it less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families;
more conveniences, but less time;
we have more degrees, but less sense;
more knowledge, but less judgment;
more experts, but more problems;
more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life;
we’ve added years to life, not life to years.
We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.
We’ve conquered outer space, but not inner space;
we’ve done larger things, but not better things.
We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul;
we’ve split the atom, but not our prejudice.
We write more, but learn less;
we plan more, but accomplish less.
We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait;
we have higher incomes, but lower morals;
we have more food, but less appeasement;
we build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication;
we’ve become long on quantity, but short on quality.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion;
tall men, and short character;
steep profits, and shallow relationships.
These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare;
more leisure, but less fun;
more kinds of food, but less nutrition.
These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw away morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom;
a time when technology has brought this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to make a difference, or to just hit delete…
By Dr. Bob Moorehead
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Are you a good parent or bad one?
Parenting is one of those things that is not easy. No matter what you do, you always wonder if you did the right thing. There's no magic formula to parenting. It's not like math where 1 + 1 = 2. Someone once said to me it's like a rollercoaster - you'll have your ups and downs but it's a thrill no matter what. Sometimes you can do the right things but get the wrong results and sometimes you can be surprised and get good results with little to no effort.
I've been reading and watching some of Larry Winget's materials and I thought I would share with you his "Ten Signs You Are A Bad Parent."
If you don’t know where your child is right now,
you are a bad parent.
If your child is obese,
you are a bad parent.
If your child has a television in their bedroom,
you are a bad parent.
If you don’t know your child’s friends,
you are a bad parent.
If you tolerate disrespect from your child verbally or physically, you are a bad parent.
If you promise consequences for either good behavior or bad behavior and don’t deliver, you are a bad parent.
If you don’t teach your child about money,
you are a bad parent.
If you don’t have open, honest communication with your child about sex; the dangers, consequences and joy of it,
you are a bad parent.
If your grown child still lives at home and mooches off you,
you are a bad parent.
If your own life is an example of what you don’t want your child to grow up and become, you are a bad parent.
Larry is the author of "Your Kids are Your Own Fault." He is blunt, honest and a straight shooter. He finishes off by saying "Some of you are now spewing and sputtering and shouting “yeah but” at me because your kids are great yet they have a TV in their room or are overweight or blah, blah, blah-de-blah-de-blah! Okay, you can tell yourself that, and since I don’t know you or your kid I’ll step back and give you the benefit of the doubt. But I still don’t believe you. Just because you don’t see the harmful results of your action or inaction today, doesn’t mean that you won’t later."
What are your signs of a good or bad parent?
I've been reading and watching some of Larry Winget's materials and I thought I would share with you his "Ten Signs You Are A Bad Parent."
If you don’t know where your child is right now,
you are a bad parent.
If your child is obese,
you are a bad parent.
If your child has a television in their bedroom,
you are a bad parent.
If you don’t know your child’s friends,
you are a bad parent.
If you tolerate disrespect from your child verbally or physically, you are a bad parent.
If you promise consequences for either good behavior or bad behavior and don’t deliver, you are a bad parent.
If you don’t teach your child about money,
you are a bad parent.
If you don’t have open, honest communication with your child about sex; the dangers, consequences and joy of it,
you are a bad parent.
If your grown child still lives at home and mooches off you,
you are a bad parent.
If your own life is an example of what you don’t want your child to grow up and become, you are a bad parent.
Larry is the author of "Your Kids are Your Own Fault." He is blunt, honest and a straight shooter. He finishes off by saying "Some of you are now spewing and sputtering and shouting “yeah but” at me because your kids are great yet they have a TV in their room or are overweight or blah, blah, blah-de-blah-de-blah! Okay, you can tell yourself that, and since I don’t know you or your kid I’ll step back and give you the benefit of the doubt. But I still don’t believe you. Just because you don’t see the harmful results of your action or inaction today, doesn’t mean that you won’t later."
What are your signs of a good or bad parent?
Friday, March 19, 2010
Find your passion with light bulb moments
(originally posted in 2007)
Do you know what a light bulb moment is? For me, light bulb moments are ‘AH HA’ moments in life. These are moments when that light goes on in your head and you say to yourself “Wow, that makes a lot of sense”.
Journal your light bulb moments
Light bulb moments happen all the time. For some, many times in a day. As a result, light bulb moments also come and go. Because we can’t remember everything, it is so important to write down great ideas and great moments when they happen. I call this journaling. In fact, I have journalled my light bulb moments all my adult life. If these are important moments in my life where the lights come on, I make sure I write them down. I carry around my journal everywhere I go.
I think it is so important you keep your light bulb moments in the same place. Often I see people writing notes using the pads or pieces of scrap paper but 9 times out of 10, they get lost and all those light bulb moments get lost with them. Never lose your light bulb moments.
Unless you have a system to diarize and keep your light bulb moments, you won’t be able to remember, recover or respond to these special times. That’s why journaling is so important.
Use light bulb moments to find your passion
How do light bulb moments relate to passion? Some light bulb moments are really bright. Some light bulb moments touch the heart. Some light bulb moments are really special. Some light bulb moments make you come alive. I believe these light bulb moments form the foundation for passion.
People with passion set themselves apart. You can usually tell in the first 5 minutes of a conversation if someone has passion for what they do. If you find your passions, life is great! If you have not found your passions, keep journaling your light bulb moments. You will find it!
My suggestion is to go through your journals from time to time. You will be amazed at what you find. I have done this many times in my life and you will find recurring patterns that help you see things and ideas that you are naturally drawn to.
Great things can happen with these light bulb moments. For example, in 1998, I was reviewing some of my old notes and came across a lightbulb moment that I should write a book. The note said we all have a story to tell, we all have a book in us, just start writing. Because of that note, I published my first book Mutual Fundamentals which became a best seller. This was the start of discovering my passion to write and educate others which I continue today.
Why is it important to have passion?
One of my favorite stories about passion involves Barbara Streisand at the Golden Globe Awards. A gentleman asked Streisand if he should be an actor. Barbara Streisand responded “If you have to ask the question, then the answer is no. You know you have passion when you don’t have to ask.”
The bottom line is passion fuels the soul. Passion creates purpose and meaning. Passion makes time go by faster. People with passion have the sparkle in their eyes and seem to not only control their destiny but do it effortlessly. Passion helps create vision. It’s no wonder people with passion have a clearer vision of the future. The clearer you see the future, the more likely you are to achieve it. Passion not only helps with vision but it helps design plans to make things happen.
At the end of the day, I think passion is like love. You know you found it once you find it. Until you find it, you really don’t know what it feels like to have real passion. Once you find passion, you hate to lose it.
For me, had a passion for personal finance. I loved learning about it. I still love it. I still learn each and every day. For those who know me, they knew I had a passion for my business and a passion to help others. Unfortunately for me, I eventually stopped enjoying my business. As a typical entrepreneur, I enjoyed my business when it was small and growing. Once it got too big, the scope of my work began to change and I lost my passion. Eventually, losing my passion for the work, was the catalyst to selling the business. One way you know you have passion, is when you lose it, you can’t help but do something about it. For me, my passion changed and happiness overruled cashflow. It is scary to sell off a secure cashflow but I can tell you this has been an amazing year. I wake up with my kids. We have breakfast every morning. I don’t miss their gymnastics, skating, swimming, etc. I’m proud and passionate about being a dad.
Do you know what a light bulb moment is? For me, light bulb moments are ‘AH HA’ moments in life. These are moments when that light goes on in your head and you say to yourself “Wow, that makes a lot of sense”.
Journal your light bulb moments
Light bulb moments happen all the time. For some, many times in a day. As a result, light bulb moments also come and go. Because we can’t remember everything, it is so important to write down great ideas and great moments when they happen. I call this journaling. In fact, I have journalled my light bulb moments all my adult life. If these are important moments in my life where the lights come on, I make sure I write them down. I carry around my journal everywhere I go.
I think it is so important you keep your light bulb moments in the same place. Often I see people writing notes using the pads or pieces of scrap paper but 9 times out of 10, they get lost and all those light bulb moments get lost with them. Never lose your light bulb moments.
Unless you have a system to diarize and keep your light bulb moments, you won’t be able to remember, recover or respond to these special times. That’s why journaling is so important.
Use light bulb moments to find your passion
How do light bulb moments relate to passion? Some light bulb moments are really bright. Some light bulb moments touch the heart. Some light bulb moments are really special. Some light bulb moments make you come alive. I believe these light bulb moments form the foundation for passion.
People with passion set themselves apart. You can usually tell in the first 5 minutes of a conversation if someone has passion for what they do. If you find your passions, life is great! If you have not found your passions, keep journaling your light bulb moments. You will find it!
My suggestion is to go through your journals from time to time. You will be amazed at what you find. I have done this many times in my life and you will find recurring patterns that help you see things and ideas that you are naturally drawn to.
Great things can happen with these light bulb moments. For example, in 1998, I was reviewing some of my old notes and came across a lightbulb moment that I should write a book. The note said we all have a story to tell, we all have a book in us, just start writing. Because of that note, I published my first book Mutual Fundamentals which became a best seller. This was the start of discovering my passion to write and educate others which I continue today.
Why is it important to have passion?
One of my favorite stories about passion involves Barbara Streisand at the Golden Globe Awards. A gentleman asked Streisand if he should be an actor. Barbara Streisand responded “If you have to ask the question, then the answer is no. You know you have passion when you don’t have to ask.”
The bottom line is passion fuels the soul. Passion creates purpose and meaning. Passion makes time go by faster. People with passion have the sparkle in their eyes and seem to not only control their destiny but do it effortlessly. Passion helps create vision. It’s no wonder people with passion have a clearer vision of the future. The clearer you see the future, the more likely you are to achieve it. Passion not only helps with vision but it helps design plans to make things happen.
At the end of the day, I think passion is like love. You know you found it once you find it. Until you find it, you really don’t know what it feels like to have real passion. Once you find passion, you hate to lose it.
For me, had a passion for personal finance. I loved learning about it. I still love it. I still learn each and every day. For those who know me, they knew I had a passion for my business and a passion to help others. Unfortunately for me, I eventually stopped enjoying my business. As a typical entrepreneur, I enjoyed my business when it was small and growing. Once it got too big, the scope of my work began to change and I lost my passion. Eventually, losing my passion for the work, was the catalyst to selling the business. One way you know you have passion, is when you lose it, you can’t help but do something about it. For me, my passion changed and happiness overruled cashflow. It is scary to sell off a secure cashflow but I can tell you this has been an amazing year. I wake up with my kids. We have breakfast every morning. I don’t miss their gymnastics, skating, swimming, etc. I’m proud and passionate about being a dad.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
My date night with Liz
My date night with Liz
So last night I had a date night with Liz. With four kids and busy lives, it’s not easy planning a date night.
So what did we do? A romantic dinner out? A movie? Some much needed cuddle time? Well let me tell you . . .
First we met at the mall after Liz got a pedicure. That’s a great start! Then we had our romantic dinner together . . . in the food court! During dinner we had some great conversation . . . we planned Jason’s birthday party, what was happening at Easter and discussed some ideas for the summer.
After dinner, we shopped . . . for Jason’s birthday, Easter, and some much needed clothing for the kids.
The night ended with some coffee and desert . . . at McDonalds. I highly recommend McDonald’s coffee. It’s awesome and until March 14th it’s FREE. Yes, completely free. Liz and I go everyday. I must admit I feel a little guilty so I often buy a muffin for $1. If you’ve never tried their coffee, you gotta try it!
Anyhow, some might look at this ‘date night’ as a date that lacks the qualities of a romantic couple in love but I will argue differently. Our evening had lots of great qualities:
1. Communication – we talked all night. We talked about practical things. We talked about each other. We talked about the future. We talked about silly things. And we talked about some really important and deep things.
2. PDA (Public displays of affection). No we did not make out in the food court but we held hands, hugged and just enjoyed each other’s company. That’s not easy to do when you have 4 kids with you so despite the stereotypical ambiance required for romance, we made the best of what we had.
3. Humor and fun. One of the things I love about Liz is we can have fun anywhere doing anything. I feel like I have been on our kids a lot lately so it was nice not having to discipline, break up fights or discuss the important qualities of good kid behaviors. Liz and I laughed and giggled and just had fun.
4. Food. Ok, so it wasn’t 5 star quality but it also wasn’t 5 star price. I’m OK with my frugality and cheapness. I guess that’s part of my business. I’m proud that I only spent $1.04 on dessert and coffee and still had as good of a time if I spent $30 on dessert and coffee.
In the end, I think the success of our date night lies in the company. I feel like I could do anything with Liz and have fun. It may not be the ideal date night but it sure felt good to get things done, talk with my best friend and have an evening without the kids.
So last night I had a date night with Liz. With four kids and busy lives, it’s not easy planning a date night.
So what did we do? A romantic dinner out? A movie? Some much needed cuddle time? Well let me tell you . . .
First we met at the mall after Liz got a pedicure. That’s a great start! Then we had our romantic dinner together . . . in the food court! During dinner we had some great conversation . . . we planned Jason’s birthday party, what was happening at Easter and discussed some ideas for the summer.
After dinner, we shopped . . . for Jason’s birthday, Easter, and some much needed clothing for the kids.
The night ended with some coffee and desert . . . at McDonalds. I highly recommend McDonald’s coffee. It’s awesome and until March 14th it’s FREE. Yes, completely free. Liz and I go everyday. I must admit I feel a little guilty so I often buy a muffin for $1. If you’ve never tried their coffee, you gotta try it!
Anyhow, some might look at this ‘date night’ as a date that lacks the qualities of a romantic couple in love but I will argue differently. Our evening had lots of great qualities:
1. Communication – we talked all night. We talked about practical things. We talked about each other. We talked about the future. We talked about silly things. And we talked about some really important and deep things.
2. PDA (Public displays of affection). No we did not make out in the food court but we held hands, hugged and just enjoyed each other’s company. That’s not easy to do when you have 4 kids with you so despite the stereotypical ambiance required for romance, we made the best of what we had.
3. Humor and fun. One of the things I love about Liz is we can have fun anywhere doing anything. I feel like I have been on our kids a lot lately so it was nice not having to discipline, break up fights or discuss the important qualities of good kid behaviors. Liz and I laughed and giggled and just had fun.
4. Food. Ok, so it wasn’t 5 star quality but it also wasn’t 5 star price. I’m OK with my frugality and cheapness. I guess that’s part of my business. I’m proud that I only spent $1.04 on dessert and coffee and still had as good of a time if I spent $30 on dessert and coffee.
In the end, I think the success of our date night lies in the company. I feel like I could do anything with Liz and have fun. It may not be the ideal date night but it sure felt good to get things done, talk with my best friend and have an evening without the kids.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
A story about humanity and caring
My little Robbie is not only great at sports but he is also so competitive. My 79 year old dad who is now on the internet sends me emails from time to time but this story (whether it is true or not) is a great story to pass on to my kids. It's about a Father and his son who has both physical and mental disabilites. the story is told by the father:
Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.
In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.
Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up to the
plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.
The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.
As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
The game would now be over.
The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.
Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.
Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first!
Run to first!'
Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.
He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'
Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.
B y the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball . the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.
He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.
Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!
Shay, run to third!'
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team
'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.
In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.
Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up to the
plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.
The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.
As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
The game would now be over.
The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.
Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.
Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first!
Run to first!'
Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.
He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'
Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.
B y the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball . the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.
He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.
Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!
Shay, run to third!'
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team
'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
The terrible twos
Jason, my third child is one of the cutest kids on earth. I know I am biased but I have had some seriously cute kids (obviously from Liz's genes). That being said, Jason was and is really really really cute!
But lately, his cuteness has been overshadowed by his whining, crying and temper tantrums. We just came back from Canmore for a few days with another family and I'm sure they will never invite us again . . . or at least Jason. These are tough times for a parent and every time he goes through his tantrums, I go through this same speech:
"Jason, remember good boys don't act this way. What do good boys do?"
Jason knows the words - "They listen, they share, they use their words and they be nice to others."
Unfortunately knowing the words and living by them are two different things right now.
Anyhow, I know that Jason is only two and he will grow through it. All of my kids have gone through some tough stages and as a parent, I know that I just have to keep supporting him, teaching him and sometimes showing him the consequences of bad behavior. Did your kids go through the terrible twos? Did they grow out of it? How did you deal with it? What advice would you give to other parents on how to deal with the terrible twos?
Despite his tantrums, I still would not trade him in for anything. For every tantrum, there are 10 moments where he makes me laugh or smile. For every tantrum, there is a special moment of love where we bond as a father and son. For every tough moment, there reasons to be thankful. Ok my therapy is over!!!
But lately, his cuteness has been overshadowed by his whining, crying and temper tantrums. We just came back from Canmore for a few days with another family and I'm sure they will never invite us again . . . or at least Jason. These are tough times for a parent and every time he goes through his tantrums, I go through this same speech:
"Jason, remember good boys don't act this way. What do good boys do?"
Jason knows the words - "They listen, they share, they use their words and they be nice to others."
Unfortunately knowing the words and living by them are two different things right now.
Anyhow, I know that Jason is only two and he will grow through it. All of my kids have gone through some tough stages and as a parent, I know that I just have to keep supporting him, teaching him and sometimes showing him the consequences of bad behavior. Did your kids go through the terrible twos? Did they grow out of it? How did you deal with it? What advice would you give to other parents on how to deal with the terrible twos?
Despite his tantrums, I still would not trade him in for anything. For every tantrum, there are 10 moments where he makes me laugh or smile. For every tantrum, there is a special moment of love where we bond as a father and son. For every tough moment, there reasons to be thankful. Ok my therapy is over!!!
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