The Elders

We want to say thanks for some lessons learned, for some memories we have, and for some things we have no memory of. The order is not important. Neither is the author of this line or that one.

1. I have no memory of a hand raised in anger against a child or a spouse. Thank you.
2. I know the taste of Brussels sprouts and rutabaga and why I enjoy the one and not the other. Thank you.
3. I always understood that we shared responsibility for the family chores. Thank you.
4. I can back a car down a driveway and parallel park with casual confidence. Thank you.
5. I have no memory of having to go to bed hungry. Thank you.
6. I have no memory of being told "Not now; I'll listen to you later." Thank you.
7. I have always assumed that everyone sits down together for a family dinner, every night. Thank you.
8. I always had clean clothing to wear to school. Thank you.
9. I have no memory of being told that a "C" was good enough--or that I had to get an "A." Thank you.
10. I was never told to set my sights lower. Thank you.
11. I remember being visited every day I spent in the hospital. Thank you.
12. I never went to bed cold. Thank you.
13. I went to church every Sunday with my family. Thank you.
14. I have a college degree and more. Education was our number one priority. Thank you.
15. There were always books and music in our home. Before I could read, I remember being held and read to. Thank you.
16. I never saw my parents drunk. Thank you.
17. My parents were home every night. Thank you.
18. My parents taught by example that we were supposed to do things for others (run a scout troop, ask someone walking if they needed a ride, etc.). Thank you.
19. I thought that having a father go to summer camp with the scouts-every summer for 10 years--was the norm. Today, I know better. Thank you.
20. My parents taught me that a job was not more important than my family. Thank you.
21. I always understood that my actions might have consequences and that I had to be ready to accept responsibility. Thank you.
22. You taught us, somehow, to take charge and get things done. Thank you.
23. I never suspected that adult conversations were the sole preserve of adults. Thank you.
24. I haven't always succeeded at marriage, but I never doubted that it was a commitment made for life. Thank you.

Delivered to Carl and Ella in celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary