I love this photo. This day on the lake with the boys about six years ago is etched in my memory forever. They were so happy that we rented a little boat and explored together. I can feel the sun on my skin when I think about it. I clearly remember the moment I jumped in the alpine water for a swim, how I momentarily lost my breath because the water was so cold. I felt so alive and so, so happy.
I hope the kids remember this day and all the other days we had together where we just enjoyed each other. I hope their memories are crowded with the happy times and the positive intent we brought to parenting them. This is my singular hope. I’ve never really wanted anything other than to be a positive force in their lives, living through example and full of love. When I read Zen Habits‘ post this week on parenting, I nodded my head again and again. Leo has such a gift for getting to the heart of the matter, of bringing out the essence of what’s most important in this life. Sometimes I worry that I’m not doing a good job with my role in their lives. That post calmed me because I know that I have, in the very least, loved them a lot. I know they know that and I know that that is enough.
Are you a parent? Do you agree with Leo’s advice? I am no parenting expert – just fumbling along with it, so I appreciated his insights. I’d love to learn from you, too!
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