I grew up with no gossip in my home.
We didn’t talk about one another behind anyone’s back.
If there was something to be discussed, we talked openly.
My parents talked with us, never about us to others.
I never learned to gossip and have secrets. ( So I didn’t pick up that unhealthy habit.)
Children were included in everything, because they were seen as equals.
When there was a family decision to be made, we were included in the discussion.
When we had chores to do, everyone participated.
When we saved money for a family trip to Europe, we all put money in the jar.
I see everyone as my equals, with no one more important or less important.
I never heard my parents cry or complain about lack of money, ability or someone to lean on.
We learned how to sew and cook, to make do with what we had and be grateful and happy with it.
We always had plenty to share with others and our home was open for visitors, family and strangers.
I never felt sorry for myself or saw us as poor, incapable or dependent on anyone.
And I have always seen strangers as my spiritual family, the family of humanity.
I grew up with no fearful messages or warnings from my parents.
I saw my parents give encouragement and support to strangers, homeless and needy.
They volunteered with youth in our church, foster kids, delinquent kids and others along the way.
They volunteered with AFS, SCORE, credit counseling, taxes for elderly, braille transcription, mentally and physically challenged, and always had time for neighbors and family members needs.
I learned Giving, sharing and volunteering is a way of creating a better world for everyone.
We learned about and talked about all religions, philosophical and moral issues.
Meal time discussions were always interesting and open to all ideals, ideas and opinions.
Children were treated with equal respect to our elders and everyone’s voice was heard.
We recognized everyone’s perspective without needing to make anyone wrong.
I continue to expand my acceptance and recognition of all viewpoints by respecting the individual.
We saw no one as weak or incapable or less valuable.
We all worked with those who had mental, physical and financial challenges in various volunteer jobs.
We shared with one another how we could be truly helpful and encouraging without creating dependency.
My Mom’s expressed philosophy: Give everyone as much responsibility as they can handle and a little more to grow into. I learned to trust others to do what they could and to free others by believing in them.
God was not described or explained, but seen as Love expressed in Good Works.
Church was a place to explore ways to give Love and discuss moral dilemmas and to express ourselves.
The ministers and their families were often our friends with whom we shared activities and ideas.
I grew up watching adults engage in meaningful, helpful activities and exploring better ways to live.
I learned to always grow in faith, in service, in learning and contributing to a better world.
It is never too late to begin to experiment with how you want to relate and contribute to others.
It is never too late to create opportunities to heal, forgive, learn and grow, bless and inspire.
It is never too late, so why not begin today.
Loving you and all,
Betty Lue