Looking back and wondering....did I tell you

This afternoon is a milestone in my life and that of my son’s...his graduation from University, and a stepping stone for him as he soon leaves for grad school overseas. We briefly spoke about parenting last night and a comment he made was "A parent should inspire and mentor their kids". I believe in that and, hopefully when he has children of his own, he’ll remember that conversation. And as I look back I remember something I had read long time ago, altered here and there and used as a reminder to me, and, I believe something every parent should ask themselves. I think is fitting to the occasion....

"Did I tell you?

Now that you are grown, I look back and ask myself...
Did I tell you?
Did I tell you all that I meant to tell you, all that I felt was important.
Did I tell you or was it lost in the shuffle of our everyday lives. The busy full days when I taught and didn't know it.
What did I teach? Was it strong? Was it good? Did it root you in something real that will allow you to grow with a firm and sound foundation?
Did I tell you.....

Did I tell you to love, not with a fair weather love, but with a love that accepts and cherishes unconditionally. Love not with a quick and passing love, but with a love that is a quiet peace within your heart.
Did I tell you to be thoughtful.
Not to be a martyr or doormat to be trod upon, but to be aware of other people and their needs.
To meet others with awareness and within your own framework be able to meet them halfway and on occasion go the other half joyfully.

Did I tell you to be courteous ....not to display empty manners with no meaning but to live the courtesy born of caring. And to express this caring through the small formalities and customs born of the years.

Did I tell you to be bold...To be not afraid of the unknown, but to live life to the fullest, and meet each new experience with joy and anticipation.

And did I tell you to be cautious. To temper you daring and sense of adventure with good judgement and consideration.

Did I tell you to serve other people if only in a small way.

There is growth and satisfaction in being part of something larger than yourself and your life will be richer for knowing this.

Did I tell you to maintain a sense of the past. To recall and uphold all that is best and meaningful in our country and in our society. But, never be afraid to speak out where you don't believe or where there is room for improvement. Work for what you believe, but work in a positive way within a structure of order and reason.

Did I tell you to find a part of nature that speaks to you. Then know it intimately and well. For some it is a mountain peak, for some a windswept beach. Find your own and in it find your restoration.

Did I tell you to laugh, to dance, to sing. There is a lot in life that is hard, but take it as it comes and find the good..... and make time to dance.

Did I tell you to be creative to explore the seed within you. Find your creative spirit and let it grow.

And did I tell you the challenge of being a man - the challenge of balancing your world -
The need to achieve and the need to nurture -
The need to be strong and the need to be tender -
The need to meet the tests that life brings, yet always keep love at the centre -
Letting it be the star by which you set your sail.

Did I tell you these things as we went along the way?
If I did, I am humbly grateful. If I did not, then you must choose for yourself if it has meaning accept it and make it your own. If it does not, discard it. Your life is yours to build as you choose.

And did I tell you..... I hope it will be a good life"