be yourself

Words of advice.

It's part of our job description

as parents.

The instilling and sharing of wisdom

that takes years

since

let's face it

we are still stumbling and learning ourselves.

When situations arrive

and we scramble

and pray

pray

and

pray some more!

that we have done enough

to equip our child

for the road ahead.

As a precaution

we begin

the reiteration process...

review 

just to make sure we have

done our job well

crossed our t's

dotted our i's

(thus far)

Somehow knowing we've done really well

and at the same time

completely

screwed up.

Firm handshake

polite words

say thank you

stand tall

look who's talking to you in the eyes

...

you know the list.

Quickly followed by the

parental assessment process

basically 

voicing our concerns

and foibles

with each other

hoping we did something

right vs.

permanently damaged.

Hard core parental stuff.

Finally...

just getting on with it...

life that is

our regular day

hoping to restore calm

put our minds at an ease.

breathe.

After taking the garbage to the road

Rudy saw something

that he wanted me to see

It spoke to him

like a nod and a wink

that purple flower among all the gold

it spoke of individuality

standing out

not just standing among

being true to who you are

"being yourself"

because that person is

so freaking amazing.

It spoke to him of

Joey.

Who is completely sure

and unsure

of who he is.

Secure and insecure.

Confident and apprehensive.

Typical and unique.

Reassured 

by a flower

in that the words we kept 

returning to...

be yourself

will take him far.

"Do not be conformed to this world."

Rom 12:2