I rarely get to see my family now we live in different states of the US, but a recent rare reunion between studying allowed my sister, brother and I to reminisce about all those cross-US holidays our parents would take us on. You all know the sort, the ones where you stay with your grandparents in the middle of nowhere for half the summer, hanging out with random kids from the area and flirting with boys.
Well for us it would be to Kentucky, just down the road from the army base. Our grandparents on my mum’s side had live out there all their lives and we’d make the trip out for a few weeks to see them every summer or so. They were always fun but what we chatted about was how much we’d hate the idea of them back then, being taken away for our friends from most of the summer and feel...
Family
Dear Family,
vaccine1As you all know, I am madly in love with your children. Their health and their future is of the utmost importance to me. In fact, there is nothing more important to me than their future well being.
That said, we need to talk.
As you all know your father and I have been closely involved in the medical profession for most of our adult lives. During the past 40 years we have observed – from front row seats – many changes in how medicine is practiced.
As a reminder, here is a brief synopsis of your father’s medical career:
Was a resident in internal medicine for 18 months
Completed a three year residency in anatomic pathology
Taught medical school for seven years
Did a residency in general practice, passed the necessary exam and became a Board Certified...
2,264
Being a mother is simply the greatest achievement of my life. It has taken me on an unexpected journey that can constantly surprise, educate and confuse me! The emotional connection I feel towards my children brings boundless elation and joy as well as the inevitable worry and concern.
They are a wonder to me every day. From a teenage son through to a toddler daughter, each moment of every day is filled with different energies, activities, feelings and a lot of comedy. From playing sport to lounging on the sofa, each of my children fill every second with laughter, music and discussion. They are kind hearted and well-mannered and have incredibly enquiring minds, and I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by these phenomenal human beings.
Being in a position where they live such a...
3,703
I am so, so alone
There's nobody to talk to
They're all gone, nobody home
I miss my children, and yes, my wife too
I can do whatever I want
Write a poem, or an open letter
Watch TV, play the computer
But none of that makes me feel any better
Nothing can extinguish the sadness
I feel so sad from deep within
Oh, the thought, this will last for two weeks
Nothing I can do, not a thing
I wrote my wife an e-mail
Told her that I miss her
That put a smile on my face
But I only feel a little better
In a few weeks they will be home again
The silence will definitely go away
Things will be as it was again
And then, yes then, will I wish
for another quiet day
2,716
Dear "Glue of the Family,”
Thank you for creating the memories with my family that I will remember for a lifetime. From the moment I walk into our family gatherings to the moment I leave, I never feel more loved. You have never thought twice about doing everything in your power to make sure everyone has a wonderful time when we are with you, even if that means playing referee in family disputes over the last turkey leg. During holidays, I know you are stressed because of how many mouths you have to feed and how many presents or decorations you have to prepare. As I grow older, I understand just how difficult it is to coordinate schedules. I appreciate the time you take to make sure we are always happy. You're constantly making my favorite dishes or stocking up on my favorite snack when...
2,749
Hi, Daddy.
It never crossed my mind that one day I'd be writing you this messy and unorganized letter.
We both knew that when I was growing up, I didn't really have a father that I could look up to.
Yes, we were best of friends when I was still your little girl. You taught me how to swim and how to love the beach. We'd play a lot of boy games even though I wasn't really a boy, but what we did not know was fate also played games with our family.
I was too young to understand why you and Mommy had to live separately. Why I had to be with you during the weekdays and be with Mommy on the weekends (or vice versa). Why I had to choose when we can live together. I never knew the reason why until I figured it out on my own. I just wanted to deny and say that it wasn't real....
7,048
Dear Parents,
I'm a Non-Parent. I'm someone who watches what you do and how you do it. I judge you, but not in the ways that you might think.
For example, as a non-parent, I have no idea what it's like to be in a grocery store with a child who's having a meltdown over the fact that you're not buying Froot Loops. You might notice how lucky I am, as a Non-Parent, to simply walk away from the scene and go on with my "carefree," childless life.
I know sometimes Parents have the notion that we Non-Parents think we know everything, and that we think we'd do everything differently than you.
Not so, Parents.
When I see you dealing with the Froot Loop meltdown in aisle seven, I'm sending you genuine thoughts of patience and grace. If I were in your shoes, I'd probably have a...
2,774
Dear Parents,
Let’s talk about the juggle. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. Whether you are a parent or not, we all have to juggle multiple responsibilities in order to get what needs to be done… done. As a parent, you are now adding someone who is looking to you. And that’s when the fear and guilt starts. Are you doing a good job? Are you making what is really important a priority? And unfortunately, with no crystal ball, we have to use our brains and hearts to really determine what is a priority.
I understand your fear. Having children is terrifying as much as it’s beautiful and wonderful. Both of my children help me grow to be a stronger mother every day, and I can say, a lot of the crap I put up with, the things I strive for, etc., is all for them. Everything has an...
2,755
Dear Mom and Dad,
Although there's no rhyme or reason, I've never really been the type of person to express how I feel verbally. I know I tell you every day that I love you both, but sometimes saying "I love you" isn't enough for me. Sometimes, "I love you" doesn't entirely express just how deeply I care for the two of you, at least that's in my opinion. But, without any explanation, I tend to shy away from talking about emotions or subjects of that matter which I'm sure you've already realized. I guess this is why I've always found comfort in writing. So, before I go off on a tangent as I so often do, here's everything I've always wanted to say.
I realize these last several years have been anything but easy for us. I guess you could say that one April morning in 1991 really changed...
5,034
Dear parents of entrepreneurs,
Where should we begin? There's so much to say. I guess the first thing that comes to mind is ...
It must not be easy.
You know what I mean – the wondering.
Why did my child have to be different? Why couldn't they just finish college, like the other kids? Why couldn't they get a normal job? Work for someone else? Less worries. Less stress.
To answer your question, a lot of it is because of ... how do I say this? Well, it's because of you.
I know, not all of you owned your own businesses, but you taught us to give 110% in everything we do. You made sure we learned to make our own decisions. And to take responsibility for them. You taught us that we should try and do good for others. That we should try and do good for ourselves.
You said it...
2,720