Raising Parents

Posted on March 9, 2015

Last week, I was thrilled to see my son at a discussion and signing for my book, The “Perfect” Parent, in Valencia. At the end of the event, I spotted him chatting with a huddle of moms. As soon as I finished my last signature, I walked up to join in the conversation.

“The workshop today has really touched me and inspired me to be a more mindful parent,” one woman sweetly complimented me. She then turned to my son and added, “Your mom is amazing!” At this point, my witty boy put his arm around my shoulder, gave me a side squeeze, and said, “Yes, she is! We have raised her well!” A burst of laughter followed. “Yes, you have. You definitely have,” I replied.

Driving home, I couldn’t help but reflect on the wisdom of his words. Yes, my children have raised me well. It is because of them that I am a better person. They have truly awakened from deep within me a profound potential that I didn’t know existed. They have raised my threshold not just to give, care, and share but also to be open-hearted. Their ability to accept and respect individual personalities and generational differences has raised my ability to be more open-minded. Through the challenges that we have faced together, they have raised my level of understanding of them and of myself. Their simple “whys” and “why-nots” have raised the bar of my patience, creativity, and capacity to think and love.

Yes, my loves, you have raised me very, very well…better than I could have done. It is through you that I am aware of my best self. I thank you for this gift of love and the irreplaceable life experiences that have defined who I am today. I love you both to Mars and back.