Celebrating Love

I am the first person to admit that I’m not much into the Valentine’s Day marketing scheme of things. After all, this day is set aside for people to express an emotion that should be expressed 365 (366 during leap year). At 36, I have never received anything for Valentine’s Day on my job. Never one to envy the blessings of others, I simply appreciated the beauty of the gifts received by others. I always thought that receiving something at my place of employment would receive a non-emotional response from me. However, I must admit that I was proven wrong on today. Let me set the stage first. I recently began dating a wonderful man, and through him, I’m constantly reminded that chivalry is definitely not dead. During the past two weeks, we’ve spoken about going out to dinner on this “special” day and that was the just of it. Imagine my surprise and overwhelming joy upon receiving the most beautiful flowers along with the cutest teddy bear and sentimental card that moved me to emotions. The greatest realization for me was that this man, this wonderful Godly man listens. Not only does he listen, but he has made it his mission to prove that love can be like what we see on television and what we read in the books: breathtaking, poignant and magical. I don’t think I will ever look at Valentine’s Day the same all because of one romantic gesture that captivated my thinking. I wish each of you a romantic fun-filled day with those you love. Be blessed!!

The Apple and the Tree

Many of us have heard the saying “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”. As an educator, I find myself speaking these words more often than not. Why are children disrespectful? Why do our children lack goals? Why are our children loosing out on life? Simply put: the apple and the tree. Whether we realize it or not, a child grows up to mimic their parent in their behavior and goals. The behavior of my students sometimes baffles me….until I meet the parent. At that point, things become clear to me. The student is only displaying behavior that has been reinforced at home. As I ponder over my childhood, I recall my mother saying to me on several occasions, “Don’t do as I do; do as I say.” While I love my mother dearly, she couldn’t have been more wrong than those times she spoke those words to me. Parents should also keep in mind that children are watching for behavior to mimic. If, responding to a call from a bill collector, you tell your children to tell the caller that you’re not home, you are teaching your child to lie. If you speak profanity, you are teaching your children to speak in the same manner. Parents must constantly display behavior that contributes to the healthy growth of their children. Parents must also remember their life is an unending movie constantly being viewed by their children. What will one say about the legacy you leave through your children? Parents, wise up….shape up….live up!!!