Feeling good about the future

Gary_in_Indiana · Jul 1, 2002

We finally had a graduation party for our baby yesterday. (Well, "baby" might be a bit misleading as he's now 22, 6'-4 or 5 and 230-240 lbs.) I know it's been a while since May but we had to schedule around all the other activities here. Anyhow, after spending time with our children and many of their friends yesterday, I have to say that my faith in the future is stronger now than ever.

The thing which stuck out in my mind about yesterday is that while they're both doing great, they are not the exceptions among their friends but rather the norm. I didn't speak with even one of these young people who wasn't either working, going to school or both. Among the topics being discussed among them were internships, 401K's and who was interviewing with which firms for next year already. I have to say I was totally impressed.

It wasn't all about careers and business by any means. Certainly the 'golf outing' they'd put together that morning was a big topic, too. Apparently, my son can put together a 300+ yard drive and a pair of 200+ yard iron shots on a 500 yard hole and he still has to one putt it to make par. The term "Nature Lover" was used to describe his penchant for the woods. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

As you can tell, it was a fun time. More than that, though, I wanted to say just how amazed and impressed I was by the fine group of young people there. Some of these kids (I know, they're not "kids," anymore. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif ) I've known since they were in gradeschool. It's been a genuine pleasure to have had the opportunity to see them grow and mature as they have. It was an absolute joy to be with them and to just listen to them yesterday. There's something truly inspiring about the enthusiasm of these young people.

One of the best bits of advice about raising children I ever got was to talk with them about anything and everything. You'll be amazed what you'll learn. I was and still am. What I learned yesterday just confirmed what I already knew. There are some wonderful young people out there and the future will not only be safe but probably better in their hands.

Hoosier_Daddy · Jul 1, 2002

Congrarts Gary, to your youngest and also to you for getting your kids off to a good start in life.

Yes, I agree our future is in good hands. I just hope some crazies don't spoil this world for our kids and grandkids.

Now, for the next phase of your life. We have been in this next phase for about 7 years.... It has added numbers to our family because of grandkids and we sure enjoy them but we sure like being on my own.. Being able to pick and go as we please with little planning can be a lot of fun.

So, how Come you are not at the HONDA Convention that is going on? Tom

Gary_in_Indiana · Jul 2, 2002

<font color=blue>"So, how Come you are not at the HONDA Convention that is going on?"</font color=blue>

It's not a "Honda convention" at all. This is Wing Ding XXIV, the Gold Wing Road Riders Association annual gathering. We Gold Wing people are pretty particular about that distinction. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Did you read my profile? I AM a Goldwing owner/rider. This week is like heaven here for me. We're expecing 13,000 Gold Wings in town this week. It's also a big boon for the community with over $8,000,000.00 (yep, that's eight BILLION dollars) in additional revenues expected to be brought in over the four day 'Wing Ding' here.

It's so much nicer than the big Harley convention we had here last summer. It's way quieter and we won't have to mop up all the oil when it's over. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

DocHeb · Jul 2, 2002

<font color=blue>yep, that's eight BILLION dollars</font color=blue>.

Those GoldWing owners really are an affluent bunch, with each bike owner spending $615,384 each over the four days! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.

I agree about the kids - my son will be a senior in high school this year and all his friends are just nice people. As he gets older his sense of humor is getting better and that makes him more fun to be around.

wroughtn_harv · Jul 2, 2002

I have to agree with you. The kids today are great. Most of them I see are more interested in their kids as in doing with instead of just being around.

I watched my twenty nine year old son with is five month old daughter and it brought tears to my eyes. He's twenty times the father that I could ever have been.

blurrybill · Jul 2, 2002

Gary,

I needed a "just for fun" moment and your post fit the bill. Don't underestimate your contribution to the development of your son. Congratulations. As an older parent of a seven year old, I worry at times about what the future holds for her. Your comments help take the edge off those worries. As you know, each moment with our children is a treasure. Enjoy!

Bill

Gary_in_Indiana · Jul 2, 2002

Doc, that's a good example of why I should have checked the math instead of just parroting what I heard on the local NBC affiliate. Even if they count the turns of the same dollars more than once I think that "b" should have been an "m" instead. My apologies for not checking further before I posted.

Gary_in_Indiana · Jul 2, 2002

Harv, they are better at so many things than we were. Part of it is the roles we considered "traditional" have been challenged and young people today have a better understanding of how to be parents than we ever did.

Gary_in_Indiana · Jul 2, 2002

Bill,

Thanks for the kind words. I know their Mom did a great job with our daughter and son alike, and I like to think I did some things right along the way, too. I also never underestimate the incredible value of good luck, either. We were blessed with good kids who chose other good kids as friends and avoided the others.

Your daughter must be such a joy to you. Dads and daughters... it's special, even though through their entire lives we are totally clueless as to how and why they think the way they do. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I remember telling her Mom one day in the midst of frustration over something with our daughter that, "When I was twelve years old I didn't understand twelve year old girls and I still don't!" /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

I'm often reminded of the refrain from CSNY's 'Teach Your Children.' "Don't you ever ask them why. If they told you, you would cry. So just look at them and sigh... And know they love you."

Enjoy these days with her, Bill, for they are more fleeting than you can ever know. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

wroughtn_harv · Jul 2, 2002

I think you may be right there Gary.

It's sorta funny I wasn't too hot to trot on teaching the boys to be girly but I went out of my way to instill in the girls that they could do men's work just fine.

As far as I was concerned was the only difference between a small man and a girl when it came to doing hard work was what was in the panties. They both have to work smarter instead of harder at doing heavy physical work.

My son was raised with a real type A personality dad. Dad not only had to be in first he had to way out in front. Looking back I can see where it was real hard on him growing up with that and not having the same goals as I did.

So I've learned to accept that some of the things I've always thought were important ain't really from his perspective. I've also started tongue biting excerises to toughen up a bit because I think there is a lot of common ground. And he does hold the keys to the kingdom. His daughter is my grandaughter.

I like the kids of today. I think they've had a rougher row to hoe. I mean face it, it's easier when you have fewer options. And they are smarter. If you don't think so, eavesdrop.