A Yardstick for Living

The Biggest Influence

“Having children makes you no more a parent than having a piano makes you a pianist.” ― Michael Levine

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, Mama filled my thoughts this morning. She’s been gone well over twenty years now, Daddy almost fifteen. I wish I could hug them one more time and thank them for their wisdom, guidance and love.

In every way, my parents were the biggest influence in my life. Together and determined, a team united by love, Dad and Mama gave me my ‘blueprint for living, a heart for love, and a yardstick for everything else.’

It began with our large family: Mom, Dad, four natural children, an adopted daughter, a cousin, and because we lived a block from the hospital, we had foster children living with us at times, as well.

“There’s always room for more.” —Mama and Daddy

Dad was easily our hero. He had the answers for our questions. He could fix anything that broke, and make everything else all better with a Band-Aid or a hug. To us, he stood ten feet tall.

Mama, a tiny little thing, was our disciplinarian, and our teacher in matters of the heart. She helped us understand feelings, like how to temper anger and always be kind, thoughtful and compassionate. She was the glue that held all of us together.

As parents, they showed us through example how a man and woman should treat each other and raise a family, but also how to apply those same principles and values to friendships and helping others.

I remember watching them interact, always putting each other first, and thinking, “That’s the kind of relationship I want, too, some day.”

I will always miss them. Their compassion, patience and love have fueled and guided me through life and their teachings have never failed me.

“There’s all kinds of ways to say ‘I love you’.” —Mama and Daddy

I learned through them how to be a positive influence for my daughters and their ‘yardstick’ for living, as well …

CJ’s World is reader supported.
If you enjoy my writing, it’s time
to consider a paid subscription so
all my posts are available to you.
Thank you.