Jan. 31, 1991
It is a temptation of a parent to look upon their little newborn child and say may you grow up to be all the wonderful things I wish for you. Through babyhood, grade and high school years, we do the best we know how, to nurture and teach. Unfortunately outside influences and peer advice work hard to undo our moral lessons. It is so hard to accept the fact that each child is not “you” but a compilation of the genes of all past ancestors.
Like most of my generation of parents, I followed Dr. Spock’s expert advice most judiciously. I tried repetitive messages such as “You don’t get married until you finish college” (results: 3 yea, 2 nay and 1 abstention!) I insisted on at least 2 years of piano lessons per child. Unfortunately the last child Joe, missed his lessons because I was getting too worn out to listen to and fight the practice battle! For several years I made sure classical music was playing when the children arrived home from school (success rate: 1 son plus a grandson).
To encourage creative art, blank butcher paper was more available than coloring books. When the girls wanted to learn to paint with oils, I arranged for an art instructor to provide weekly classes in our yard. Cotillion (learning to ballroom dance) was popular with my Junior High girls. The boys seemed to have sports injuries when their time for dance class arrived. None of my girls participated in “Coming Out Balls.” I guess it was not popular in the early 70’s!
All did attend many high school proms. It warmed my heart to see the girls looking so beautiful in their bouffant dresses and the boys in their tuxedos.
Looking back I can see some of my efforts came forth in the adult person. P.S. I grew up in St. Louis in a very bigoted society. My effort to teach my children not to be bigoted really was successful! I have grandchildren to attest to this.
We wished for some doctors to carry on Mikes’s practice and instead have two near-nurses( female). To my surprise two of my sons are involved in teaching (one of my college minors).
I still look down at new babies and think what will life be like for you? May all our dreams come true for you.
Elaine's Memoirs 