Michele Robbins - Lessons From My Parents: 100 Shared Moments that Changed Our Lives

Introduction

Last summer while driving my son to summer camp, I complained (just a little) about my parents. My husband said, Tell me something good about your parents, and I began to share small memories of my parents example. I spent the better part of the drive telling him all about the things I learned from watching them. As we drove past fields of hay and around a crystal clear lake, Lessons from My Parents was born.

I wanted to create a book that shared real-life stories of what works in families, and I was thrilled with the response. Stories and poems came in from across the United States with a sprinkling of stories from around the world. I thought most stories would be about mothers, but we received a perfect mix of mom stories and dad stories. There was also a wide variety of ages who contributed. Our youngest contributor was eleven years old, and the oldest, I can only guess, was in her seventies. One writer sent in a story about her dad and then, feeling she should be fair, sent in a story about her mom a few days later. Some lessons sent in are based on childhood experiences, while others are pulled from times spent with aging parents as the child often becomes the caregiver. People wrote of imperfect parents who shared their time and love and taught them just what they needed.

These stories and poems show what works in parenting, as children (both young and old) rather than psychologists share moments and events that taught them important life lessons. The lessons shared have been received and treasured for years, so whatever these parents did made a profound impression. I hope parents can draw from these examples for inspiration on how to comfort a child, talk to their teenager, or build a better relationship with their spouse.

As I looked over the stories and poems, I saw two overriding themes of what works in parenting: simple everyday examples and love. Most often, example is really about living what you believe. Experts will tell you that example is one of the most powerful teachers. The contributors to Lessons from My Parents tell you the same thing from their own lives. In many ways, parents are the most important examples we have. You will find in these pages great examples of integrity, patience, and kindness.

And love. It is obvious that submissions would talk of love. In the end love is what family life should be all about. These stories will show you the real nature of love. Love is wonderful but often trying. Loving when things go right, loving when things go wrong, loving when you are disappointed, and loving when there is something to celebrate; this is what Lessons from My Parents is all about.

Enjoy.

Michele Robbins, Editor

Contributors

We are grateful to the gifted writers who have shared their talents and made this project possible. Their experiences, insights, and love for their parents lessons are the real heart of this book. From all over the world, from different cultures and backgrounds, these writers send a united, transcendent message: Parents, we love you. The world needs your lessons

Heather Frankland Lima, Peru

Stephanie Porter El Dorado Hills, California

Bryce Clark Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Mary Theresa Bangkok, Thailand

Jonathan Choate Nampa, Idaho

Rebecca Chamaa San Diego, California

Michel Istaphanous Alexandria, Virginia

Kase Johnstun Tacoma, Washington

Regina Lewis Elkton, Maryland

Linda Garner Sandy, Utah

Uneva Rickman Enterprise, Alabama

Laura Lee Miller Dubuque, Iowa

Sarah E. Hoffman Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Skye Smith Mesa, Arizona

Brad Farmer Layton, Utah

Janice Anderson Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

Pamela J. Brayton Argyle, New York

Wendy Kennar Los Angeles, California

Mette Ivie Harrison Layton, Utah

Joseph Burrows Davenport, Iowa

Jeff Compas Huntsville, Utah

Joseph Delli Gatti Vancouver, Washington

Christopher Robbins Huntsville, Utah

Brenda Foulger Farr West, Utah

Catherine Underhill Fitzpatrick Mequon, Wisconsin

Nancy Klein Brant Lake, New York

Karin Brown Saratoga Springs, Utah

Brenda Moguez Walnut Creek, California

Mitzi Robbins Salt Lake City, Utah

Bryan Baird Cowley, Wyoming

Danielle Nicole Byington Johnson City, Tennessee

Krista Graham Boscawen, New Hampshire

Robin Hall Twentynine Palms, California

Rae Ann Dickinson Sabula, Iowa

Ashley Nance Texas

Cat Grant East York, Ontario, Canada

Mary Potter Kenyon Manchester, Iowa

Krista Graham Boscawen, New Hampshire

Anonymous Maryland

Anonymous Virginia

Jessica Carrasco Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Sara Etgen-Baker Allen, Texas

Jocelyn Krieger Boca Raton, Florida

Amanda M. Clark Issaquah, Washington

Lizz Schumer Hamburg, New York

Louie Crew East Orange, New Jersey

Marilyn Zelke-Windau Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin

Evan Gentry Ladera Ranch, California

Rossana DAntonio with her father,

Cesare DAntonio, Sr. Malibu, California

Tudie Rose Sacramento, California

Teri Lee Earl Apex, Florida

Margie Skelly Chicago, Illinois

Margaret Glover Plaistow, New Hampshire

Carma Harman Kansas

Rachel Nielson Denver, Colorado

Neal Lewing Polson, Montana

Lowana Johnson Burley, Idaho

David Nance Texas

Celia Jones Heathmont, Victoria, Australia

Brian Greene Durham, North Carolina

Marilyn Zelke-Windau Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin

Michele Robbins Huntsville, Utah

MaryAnn Kohl Bellingham, Washington

Randal ORourke Murray, Utah

Renny Golden Albuquerque, New Mexico

Alex Tarbet Logan, Utah

Mary Guglielmo Chicago, Illinois

Lynda Scott Pleasant View, Utah

Michael Neal Morris Royse City, Texas

Amber Tidwell Opelika, Alabam

Diane Kendig Canton, Ohio

Evelyn Krieger Sharon, Massachusetts

Nancy Klein Brant Lake, New York

Tina Traster Valley Cottage, New York

Christy Monson Ogden, Utah

Ann Cardall Bunting Salt Lake City, Utah

Laura Jensen Pittsboro, North Carolnia

Sara Etgen-Baker Allen, Texas

Emily Bates Bothell, Washington

Teresa Dainesi Bedford, New Hampshire

Julia Myelor-Simpson East Providence, Rhode Island

Karen Hamlin Alexandria, Virginia

Marsha Temlock Norwalk, Connecticut

Louella Bryant Lincoln, Vermont

Mel Goldberg Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico

Jerrick Robbins Henderson, Nevada

James Penha Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia

Tim Meyers Santa Clara, California

Kurt Wahlner Pomona, California

Caitlin Coutant Hudson Falls, New York

Teresa Dainesi Bedford, New Hampshire

Drienie Hattingh Eden, Utah

Alan King Mount Rainier, Maryland

Danielle Vaughn Seattle, Washington

Teresa Clark Iona, Idaho

Chapter One

By Their Example

I t has been proven time and time again that we learn best by watching others. Whether learning to tie your shoes, to serve others, or to live with joy, example is the best teacher. Words can be impactful, but the quiet example of a good parent leaves a lasting impression.

Loving Service: It All Started with Daffodils

T o pick a daffodil or a bouquet of daffodils for the neighbors, you only pick those that have been slanted by the wind. You place your fingers as close as you can to the earth, where the stem begins and the dirt gets in your fingernails, and you break it. But only those that have been slanted by the wind. Those that stand straightit isnt their time yet. Also, it is good to have diversity, so look for yellow ones, white ones, small ones, big ones, double crown ones, even your favorite ones that have fragrance and you want to keep only for yourself. It doesnt matter that the neighbor calls them jonquils and we call them daffodils. They are the same thing. Tulips are harder to get. Their stems stay strong despite the wind, and snowdrops and crocuses dont last long outside of the soil. But daffodils, there is something about daffodils, a splash of bright color after a long winter, placed on the dinner table, in the bathroom, on the night stand so that they are the first thing you see after shutting off the irritating alarm. This is what we do for our neighbors. We give them daffodils; we share what we have.