Most of the parental influence in my life came from just being with my Dad. He did not usually influence with conversation, it was non-verbal. I learned by observation. He was so calm. When a child came into his presence it was interesting. They came to him understanding something unsaid (and unseen by adults). The first thing you know they were on his lap and he was patting them. He could be talking to an adult and do this instinctively.
One day he and I were talking by the 1st grade classroom (K to 12 school) when a little boy I did not know came out of the room, he grabbed Dad by one leg and said, "I love you Mr. Oaks."
Dave, this is so beautiful! As a mom as a teacher (retired yes, but teacher, always), the spontaneous love from a child, knowing that that knew they were safe with me, loved and cared for unconditionally, valued, encouraged...was everything. How lucky you were to have a dad who embodied that, and then passed it on to you. Thank you for sharing this simple, loving story.
Our family always too a month off in August to go camping. It was a fun time because we got to get away from the familiar and sample places unknown! My dad would be behind the wheel of our white Ford Falcon station wagon and my mom would be seated beside him with a map outstretched on her lap navigating the next turn. Of course, my older brother, sister, and I would be excited in high anticipation of our arrival — Bar Harbor, Quebec, and beyond! I knew we made it when, beyond the evergreens, I’d see the vast blue ocean. I couldn’t contain my excitement! I’d stick my head up front to announce to my dad and mom, “We made it, we’re here, look!” I was pointing my stubby little finger, as if my parents could not see the breathtaking expanse. I think back on those exciting adventures that were made so magical and wonder, now, we’re my parents as excited as I was to be in these magical places as I was? I hope so. — Jocelind
From your descriptions, so vivid and alive, I feel like I was there. "We made, we're here, look!" I bet your excitement, added to there experience. Ahhhh...the vast, blue ocean. Thank you Sweet Friend, for this escape this morning.
How lucky you have been to see the world and through the lens that shaped your world at such a young age! We didn’t travel growing up- so trying to make up for that now. So many cool things and people out there in this wide beautiful world.
You are so right! (about the travel and it shaping my lens). I miss it so much and am so glad that you are doing it and that your "kids" are doing it too. Travel is so expansive to the heart, mind, emotions, perspective and gives us the opportunity to be in the shoes of others. Thank you, Maura.
When we were kids we regularly went to the drive in with our Mom. Ron and I were in our pajamas and fell asleep on the way home. When we arrived back home I was barely awake but vividly remember Mom carrying me from the car to my bed. The overwhelming feeling of being safe and loved was a memory I never forgot!!
Most of the parental influence in my life came from just being with my Dad. He did not usually influence with conversation, it was non-verbal. I learned by observation. He was so calm. When a child came into his presence it was interesting. They came to him understanding something unsaid (and unseen by adults). The first thing you know they were on his lap and he was patting them. He could be talking to an adult and do this instinctively.
One day he and I were talking by the 1st grade classroom (K to 12 school) when a little boy I did not know came out of the room, he grabbed Dad by one leg and said, "I love you Mr. Oaks."
Dave, this is so beautiful! As a mom as a teacher (retired yes, but teacher, always), the spontaneous love from a child, knowing that that knew they were safe with me, loved and cared for unconditionally, valued, encouraged...was everything. How lucky you were to have a dad who embodied that, and then passed it on to you. Thank you for sharing this simple, loving story.
Our family always too a month off in August to go camping. It was a fun time because we got to get away from the familiar and sample places unknown! My dad would be behind the wheel of our white Ford Falcon station wagon and my mom would be seated beside him with a map outstretched on her lap navigating the next turn. Of course, my older brother, sister, and I would be excited in high anticipation of our arrival — Bar Harbor, Quebec, and beyond! I knew we made it when, beyond the evergreens, I’d see the vast blue ocean. I couldn’t contain my excitement! I’d stick my head up front to announce to my dad and mom, “We made it, we’re here, look!” I was pointing my stubby little finger, as if my parents could not see the breathtaking expanse. I think back on those exciting adventures that were made so magical and wonder, now, we’re my parents as excited as I was to be in these magical places as I was? I hope so. — Jocelind
From your descriptions, so vivid and alive, I feel like I was there. "We made, we're here, look!" I bet your excitement, added to there experience. Ahhhh...the vast, blue ocean. Thank you Sweet Friend, for this escape this morning.
How lucky you have been to see the world and through the lens that shaped your world at such a young age! We didn’t travel growing up- so trying to make up for that now. So many cool things and people out there in this wide beautiful world.
You are so right! (about the travel and it shaping my lens). I miss it so much and am so glad that you are doing it and that your "kids" are doing it too. Travel is so expansive to the heart, mind, emotions, perspective and gives us the opportunity to be in the shoes of others. Thank you, Maura.
When we were kids we regularly went to the drive in with our Mom. Ron and I were in our pajamas and fell asleep on the way home. When we arrived back home I was barely awake but vividly remember Mom carrying me from the car to my bed. The overwhelming feeling of being safe and loved was a memory I never forgot!!
Love this! Feeling so safe and loved. Beautiful story and memory.