My Grown Children

Daily writing prompt

Who are you most inspired by?

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I am most inspired by my grown children and their spouses. I see the way they respond to challenges in their lives, and I wonder how they became so wise and determined, or so kind, or so wonderful.

Being a parent of young children is a true blessing. It feels good to be able to guide a young heart and mind in a right direction, and it feels good to see them succeed and to be there for them when they face heartbreak. Their unconditional love is a miracle, and you wrap your heart around them and believe you will always be like this – so close, such a happy family. Then they become teenagers and think you’re stupid and ridiculous, and then they move away.

But the sweetness of parenthood can return when they are grown and perhaps especially if they have children of their own. They understand now. They appreciate you a little more, and may even ask for your advice. And now you may have grandchildren to love and teach and guide and spoil, and you don’t have to discipline them or do any of the heavy parental lifting.

If you’re lucky, your grown children will remember the mistakes you made and learn from them and become better people. When that happens, you will be inspired. Inspired to keep trying to love them, your children and their spouses and their children, all of them and everyone, the very best you can and to be the best version of yourself possible.