[This essay was written by CACOR member Mike Nickerson about a decade ago. It remains very relevant. Posting it was the result of a discussion about planning for the welfare of the 7th generation. Ed.]
Dear Lillian:
When your mother was the age you are now, she deeply changed my world view by wrapping her little arms around my neck and calling me “Daddy.” Having watched her come into the world, before dawn, one windy November day, it was already clear that I was a father. Yet, until she spoke that word, it hadn’t sunk in that I had grown into the responsible role of parent.
Early in January, two years ago, your Mom, now grown up, changed my world again with the words “Dad, you’re a Granddad.” Another landmark. Her Mother and I had managed, one way and another, to maintain a home and provide what she needed to grow up and get an education. When she married your Dad, my responsibility to launch her into the world was fulfilled. The responsibility to raise the new generation is now theirs.
[more]
Leave a Reply