Sunday, June 17, 2012

Mother to Son


            I know that Student Parking Only is not a forum for parents or adults, but if you were to make a one-time exception and indulge a mother's prerogative to write a guest post, just this once, here is what I would say:
            As you know, maturity is not one of my strongest character traits. I truly believe it is overrated. However, there is a big difference between being in touch with your inner child and acting childish. The former opens you up to a world of wonder and exploration, the ability to experience joy and live in the moment, while the latter can make you act foolish, immature, or even mean.
            Jake, you fully embrace your inner child. You reference it often in your writing, but more importantly, you are not afraid to call upon it regularly to enhance every experience. Many people your age would be reluctant or embarrassed to encourage their friends to do the same. Yet you do so, boldly and unapologetically.  
            Your honesty, loyalty and genuine love and care for your friends and family are qualities I both admire and deeply respect. I hope you will continue to understand and appreciate the importance and impact that true and lasting relationships can have on your life.
            As you may recall from my many years as a middle school teacher, I felt compelled to leave my 8th graders with some parting words of advice as they moved on to high school. I called them my 10 Commandments and I shared them, in tablet form, on the last day of school, in a very serious and ceremonial fashion. So, as you embark on your own transition from high school to college, I'd like to share them with you as well.
            The first one I borrowed from God, but it's a good one:
1. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
2. Respect should be mutual and must be earned.
3. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. (I borrowed this one from Michael Corleone)
4. Don't ever let anyone else define you.
5. Pay it forward: always be willing to give more than you receive.
6. Good manners reflect and refine your character.
7. Work hard and always try to make good choices.
8. Appreciate what you have and be generous to others who are less fortunate.
9. Take calculated risks.
10. Above all, be happy.
            Jake, it is a blessing, an honor and a privilege to be your mother. I love you and I wish you good fortune, good health and abundant happiness throughout your life!
Xoxo,
Mom

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