August 27, 2008 I submitted an article, calling it: DO AS I SAY. NOT AS I DO, whereby I stated, amongst other things, that children are a byproduct, and images of their parents, Mom and Dad.
Quite honestly I was hoping for a large responds from SearchWarp, giving each one an opportunity to voice their views about this touchy subject as originally brought forth by The Candles, but this did not happen, and for now I will atribute that to apathy. And please do not get angry because of me using the word apathy, and this because I was let to believe this is what this organization is all about. Giving and sharing opinions.
And if I am wrong in so saying, then someone tell me so, and I shall bow down, beg your foregiveness, and leave.
That aside, let me also say that some of you responded, and I thank you, espessially from my friend Grannie,
Sandra Graham that is, and she did what I was hoping for. She did something extraordinary.
Within her memory she had stored a poem in direct response to my claim written by a child. Who? She did not know.
And there I was on August 27, shooting my mouth off about how a child will follow in the footsteps of Mom and Dad. And so I say to all of you Mom's and Dad's in this SearchWarp land or ours.
Do not listen to what I said. Forget it! Who am I? I am a nobody.
DO read and "listen" very carefully what this child wrote about her Mom and Dad.
WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handling your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say: "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."
And then Grannie sent me this little note on the side. All of us, parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend, influences the life of a child. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
Grannie? This last word from me to you. Amen.
Olof A. Eriksen, Author of Memoirs of an Immigrant.
Owner and President of Unique Systems, Inc.
You may visit his website, www.uniquesystems.com to learn more about him and his company.
Olof, my dear sweet friend. You have written again straight from your heart. Sometimes we do not always get what we expect (it has happened to me often), but I leave those things to God and things will go as they may. But we can't let any of life's disappointments get us down or we would always be down; then eventually everyone is down. Always remember that little boy in Norway, the one who made lemonade from all the life's lemons that he received. I know I will never forget him. Draw your strength from him and march on.
P.S. This was a beautiful article---don't stop---WE HAVE ONLY JUST BEGUN!!!
It has hit me many times while I watched my children grow up. They are a byproduct of me and they will today do little things that mean a lot. They will cook with me and even spend time just talking or maybe wathing something funny. If they are not here visiting they always pick up the phone.
» left by Sandra E. Graham from Paragould, Ar USA (1 year 42 days ago.)
You are a great writer. It isn't always about 'how you write, the important thing is what you say and the feeling you put into it. The rest will come with time and practice.
Your writing has really touched me and I want to cry. This is a really heartfelt piece of writing. You have really expressed your thoughts beautifully and reading the poem it made me realise how much hidden influence we have on our children. Thank you for writing this deeply thought provoking article.
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