"How can we stay close to our children..." ' Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Sunday)

Guest-blogger Judith whitehead lives in Amherst N.Y. is happily married
 with two loving adult sons and has
worked in the ophthalmology field of medicine for over 30 years. Today she talks
about family, or as we say in Hawai'i, Ohana... Enjoy!

How can we stay close to our children

One of the  happiest  days of my life was the day   my boys were born;  it is hard to express the happiness that we felt when our sons became part of our family.  One of our goals during our sons lives growing up was  to stay close and involved in their lives.  During their younger years we spent countless weekends going to their baseball games, choir productions, sporting events and vacations that they were  interested in.  My husband was always their assistant coach or head  coach over the years during baseball season and they were some of the best years of our lives.

It becomes more difficult as our children grow up and pursue their own interests,  to be involved in their lives.  It’s hard to let go and watch them become productive young men; it has been a journey to be part of their success and we are so proud  of the young men they have become today. 

We have found that there is one way to stay involved and part of their lives as they have grown up; learn about what their interests are,  and stay connected with them.  My youngest has become a Luthier, which is a tradesman that refurbishes and refinishes guitars as well as being a musician.  My husband has traveled many a guitar show with him over the years in different cities to shop for instruments to refurbish and play. It has kept them connected and interested in the same things.  

My oldest son pursued law enforcement and became a Mason this year. My husband has now become a 3rd degree Mason along with my son and can enjoy the same functions and fund raisers that the Masons partake in. They have this common bond they can enjoy together.   It’s important to continue to keep our bonds strong with our children for they are our children for life no matter how old they become or how far they travel; they will always be a part of our lives. 

 My own parents have been part of our lives all these years and even though my dad is in his 90’s he is still a part of our everyday lives in some small way; albeit  he is unable to partake in family gatherings as we did so long ago but we still gather for events and celebrate our milestones together.  

I think many families aren't staying as strong as they did many years ago and as parents  lead very busy lives these days they soon begin to lose their  connection  to their children’s lives .  Children  are ours for the long haul and no matter what the age they still look for guidance at times for some things.  Strong family ties can get us through the tough times and a parents love is unconditional.  No matter how difficult a child can be, they will always need the love of someone who cares.

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...