“What ere thou art, act well thy part.”
We play basketball together. And guitar. We go swimming and work in the yard. We discipline and tuck them in bed. We give them hugs and kisses when they are hurt, and then let the doctors to give them shots. And they cry. We comfort them when their heart has been broken and put them in situations that will test their character. We defend them to others who misunderstand them them blame them for not living up to their potential.
To them, we can be a contradiction in the highest form. But there is a method to our madness. We can be their friend, judge, confidant, punisher, coach, tutor, and their biggest fan. Yet our goal is the same: When they leave our house they are ready to take on the world and raise a wonderful family of their own.
Our roles and strategy constantly change, but our goals stay the same. In each circumstance we need to ask ourselves, “What is my role?”
And then, whatever it is, “What e’re thou are, act well thy part.”
- Julie G., Norfolk, VA, USA
