Saturday, February 28, 2026

Do better for your children...

Do better for your children

You’ve read my stuff over the years and you’ve heard me complain about my parents and my upbringing.  It was rough.

But it wasn't all terrible.  One thing that my father insisted on, was that we all get through college.  And my parents sacrificed to make sure that happened.  The only time my mother ever worked was when we were in college and the one year that my dad was unemployed.

I of course took note of this.  When I was out of college and had a job with a steady paycheck, I went to visit my dad and I said, "Dad I know it cost you 20 grand to send me to college. I’d like to pay you back. Let’s work out a payment schedule."

I didn’t have any kids at the time, but he said "here’s how you’ll pay me back."  He said, "Do better for your kids than we did for you."

There’s a lot of ways that you can look at that statement.  Do better for your kids than we did for you.  But what I’ve always taken away most from that statement is to be healthier.  Be kinder, be normal, apologize, forgive them, be vulnerable.  Actually love them and make sure that they know you love them.  It was like he was saying, do for them what we did not do for you.

I’ve done my best to be the best dad I could to my children.
Perhaps in some way that is paying my father back for the sacrifices that they made to send me to college.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info




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