Up the Creek BUT With a Paddle

This week has been a looonnng week. The hustle and bustle of work, being a wife and Mom, and lending an ear and advice has me looking forward to my weekend libation and the day off on Monday.

My food for thought this week: It’s amazing how much we learn about ourselves when we look to our parents. One thing I miss about teaching is asking my students, “Who are your role models?”  Most reply with the name of a close friend or a parent.

I can’t begin to tell you how much my parents have influenced me and who’ve I’ve become. Albeit my parents divorced when I was a toddler, both gave me what I needed when I needed it. While most say I look just like my Dad, it’s my Mom’s mannerisms that I have.

One thing I can tell you about my parents: both believe in a good work ethic, putting their trust into a higher being, and treating people in a kind manner. I try to mimic these characteristics/qualities in hopes of passing this onto our son.

But, what would I be like if I didn’t have their guidance throughout my adolescent years and even now? I’m just not sure. I am who I am because of the two of them.It was my Mom who taught me about having “the guts” to do what I WANTED to do. I think this is why I have never shied away from certain things in life.My Dad has taught me, especially in my recent years, about humility and recently staying “above the rim.” Simply put; don’t get caught up in “shenanigans,” stay above it.

As our son turns 8 months on MLK day—ugh, where did the time go?–we, the hubby and I, will do everything to be his “paddle” when he’s “up the creek.” We will guide him when he needs it but allow him to make decisions on his own that lead him down the right path.

I’ve concluded that our parents/guardians teach us so much about how we lead our own lives. I realize that more and more as I progress through parenthood.

So. . . THANK YOU MOM AND DAD for your guidance, criticism, candor, and honesty when I needed it.

The “P” in paddle, when you’re up the creek, stands for “parent.”

Shout out to all the true parents who have their kids’ backs!

Smooches,

Professor Diva Cali