“We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I’d like better.”
Paul Harvey, National Radio Host
“I’d like them to know about hand-me-down clothes, homemade ice cream, and leftover meatloaf sandwiches.
When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to do math in your head.
May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove, and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole.
I hope you make time to sit on a porch with your grandparents and go fishing with your uncle.
If you want a slingshot, I hope your dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying it.
When you want to see a movie and your little sibling wants to tag along, I hope you let them.
On rainy days, I hope you don’t ask to be dropped off two blocks away so you won’t be seen with your uncool mom.
I hope your friends tease you when you have your first crush, and that you learn what ivory soap tastes like when you talk back to your mother.
I don’t care if you try a beer once, but I hope you don’t like it. And if a friend offers you drugs, I hope you realize they’re not your friend.
May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.
These are the things I wish for you: tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it’s the only way to appreciate life.”
Attributed to Paul Harvey