Learning from the Past

I thought "What a wonderful idea...this blogging thing!" It would really be fun to talk unencumbered by the rules of formal conversation...to express my wildest ideas and theories...to talk about secret passions and annoyances. As I sat down to write my first post, I suddenly realized that it takes a lot of courage to blog. Strangely, it didn't bother me that millions of strangers could have access to my inner thoughts, but what would my friends and family think? My CHILDREN ? It's their opinions that matter, because they are the ones who will carry on to the next generation what they have learned from me as a parent.

Recently, my cousin sent me a picture of my parents hugging, laughing and mugging for the camera. This picture was taken in July, 1929, three months before the stock market crashed. It struck me immediately that I had never known my parents when they were happy, having fun with each other. I had only known them struggling to keep the bills paid...pinching pennies so that I could have those white tennis shoes, not the red or blue ones, for gym class. They were strict as parents, but I know now that their rules were established out of love and a fear that if they weren't vigilant, something bad would happen to me. I wish I had seen this picture while they were still alive and I wish I knew more about who they were before they were my parents. I think my children know me, but maybe it would surprise them to know how I became who I am today. Maybe it's time to surprise them.