I'm in the middle of reading “First Mothers – the Women who shaped the Presidents” by Bonnie Angelo. Great insight into these remarkable women whose sons grew up to be Commander in Chief. What I’m finding is that most of these never dreamed of the presidency for their children. They certainly dreamed of leadership roles in their respective communities, but never the highest office in the land. They just worked diligently, sometimes at the expense of their own marriages or their own happiness, to educate their boys hoping for respectable, career-ready young men.
The book is filled with excerpts from letters exchanged between the mothers and sons. They are so heartfelt and personal that I’ve become emotional reading the words, in some cases, almost 100 years later.
I can't remember the last time I've written in my sons' journals.
This book is helping me re-evaluate my commitment to my own sons. Of course, I think I’m doing some good things. But I am doing enough? I’m not sure we can ever know. Have I thoughtfully detailed their strengths enough to cultivate them? Have I witnessed enough of their shortcomings to help my boys overcome them – or at least minimize the impact of such flaws on their overall development?
The opportunity to parent a child is a privilege. I am recommitted to making the most of the three wonderful opportunities I have to guide my child on the path toward fulfillment, character, and self-sufficiency.
And, maybe raising a President isn't out of the question.....
(originally written Feb 14, 2013)
The book is filled with excerpts from letters exchanged between the mothers and sons. They are so heartfelt and personal that I’ve become emotional reading the words, in some cases, almost 100 years later.
I can't remember the last time I've written in my sons' journals.
This book is helping me re-evaluate my commitment to my own sons. Of course, I think I’m doing some good things. But I am doing enough? I’m not sure we can ever know. Have I thoughtfully detailed their strengths enough to cultivate them? Have I witnessed enough of their shortcomings to help my boys overcome them – or at least minimize the impact of such flaws on their overall development?
The opportunity to parent a child is a privilege. I am recommitted to making the most of the three wonderful opportunities I have to guide my child on the path toward fulfillment, character, and self-sufficiency.
And, maybe raising a President isn't out of the question.....
(originally written Feb 14, 2013)
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