It’s hard to believe that next Monday is Halloween, and then begins the season for counting blessings. I don’t need a special holiday to be thankful for my daughter, though.
Before she was born, and after she arrived, we were like any other new parents. We read articles from the experts on the best ways to create a smart baby. We bought toys designed to stimulate brain development. We wondered about preschool, and which lessons and activities would optimize her chances for success later in life.
All of this is great. All of this is fine. It should be the desire of every parent to want the very best for his or her child. But I’ve realized that we have done a good job in raising our soon to be 16 year old Amy, but not for the reasons that years ago I would have thought I needed to list.
I am proud to say that Amy is kind and caring, compassionate and helpful, and she always sees the good in everyone she meets. She may never be a rocket scientist, or be a billionaire, win a Nobel Prize or even be the next movie star—but the world is most definitely a better place because of her.
What a sweet tribute to your daughter. I think her kindness, compassion and caring speak volumes to the qualities I'm sure you and your husband raised her with. And aren't those qualities the ones you really can't find in an instruction manual? They're straight from the heart :)
ReplyDeleteI love this! Raising compassionate children is much more important than smart ones, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteJoanne and Lisa-thank you both! I completely agree with your comments! Amy really is an incredibly wonderful person. She is already a success in my book, any day:)
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said, Valerie. It's obvious you HAVE done a terrific job in raising her, infusing your values within her. She is very blessed to have you as a mother!
ReplyDeleteIf she is making the world a better place that is really all you can ask for. She sounds like an amazing young woman. Such a touching post.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, thanks so much for saying that. I am touched!
ReplyDeleteTina-thank you so much too. I am truly blessed having Amy for a daughter:)
What a lovely tribute to your daughter. I'm about to go out to dinner with my mom and give her a huge hug because of this. Amy is as lucky to have you, as you are to have her.
ReplyDeleteOh deep sigh my friend. This is so wonderful. Your daughter is truly blessed to have such a beautiful mother. I love the pictures.
ReplyDeleteKatie-I hope you had a wonderful time with your mom! Your comment really touched me:)Thank you, my wonderful friend:)
ReplyDeleteKim-Thanks:) Your boys are so blessed too, my beautiful friend:)