As parents, we imagine that we teach our children things. And we do. But the truth is that we learn so much more from them than we could ever hope to teach. We learn to love unconditionally. We learn to live unselfishly. We learn to delay our own gratification. We learn to be patient and kind. We learn to apologize when we are not patient and kind. We learn to stop and appreciate the wonder of a bug on the sidewalk, or a cloud that looks like Gandalf, or a tent fashioned from bed sheets. We learn to experience our favorite things with fresh eyes and ears. We learn to celebrate triumphs – especially the small ones. We learn to be encouraging and brave. We learn what “I’ll love you forever” really means. In short, we learn to be better in all the ways that truly matter.
My oldest daughter – and therefore my very parenthood – turns twelve today. I love you R____. Thank you for the education – you’re the best teacher I ever had.