"BIG OAKS FROM LITTLE ACORNS GROW"

I had the real honour of attending my youngest daughter's valediction ceremony last night. This is a formal celebration, held by the school, which marks the end of the Matriculants' schooling career. It was a particular honour for me, since many of these young adults have been around in my life for the past 12 years. They are finally emerging from their chrysalises and it was an opportunity to witness the extent to which this has happened.

It made me think of the quotation; "BIG OAKS FROM LITTLE ACORNS GROW" (A primary school motto) and highlighted to me, yet again, the responsibilities we have as parents towards our children. Children will grow up in spite of us, but with care and the right environment, they truly will become amazing adults.

Let me explain the analogy: When a child is born we, as parents, are truly presented with an "ACORN" which is equipped with all the genetics and possibilites to thrive. As parents we water the seed with our knowledge, guidance and understanding. As parents we put that seed into our environment and have the responsibility to nurture the"SOIL" with unconditional acceptance. We provide regular "FEEDING" by giving our children the opportunities to achieve their full potential. We also know that if we put this "LITTLE SAPLING" with others, they might thrive and learn, together, to grow towards the sunlight.

One certainty along the road of growth is the inevitable rough times; figurative "DROUGHTS", "ILLNESS" and "FLOODS". Crises only serve to strengthen all of us and allow us to appreciate everything we are presented. It is how we, as parents, deal with the crises, that we teach our children how to deal with their own. Values such as integrity, tenacity, caring, sharing, patience, self-control and keeping focus emerge during these tough times.

My point really is that our children are presented, in raw form, to us to shape and mould to reach their full potential. It is the biggest responsibility that we are presented in this life, since what we do with our children will shape the society that we will grow old in. So take this time with them seriously and enjoy every moment of their lives.

It would be remiss of me if I didn't congratulate my amazing daughter:

WELL DONE, ROBZ! I AM SO PROUD OF YOU! HOLD ONTO YOUR DREAMS AND BE THAT AMAZING OAK TREE - STRONG AND PURPOSEFUL, GIVING SHADE TO ALL THOSE WHO WANDER BENEATH YOUR BRANCHES. I LOVE YOU AND GOOD LUCK FOR THE FUTURE. MOM