I can remember my middle school and high school years and the excessive amount of angst I had. I remember how much of that I directed particularly at my parents. But by the time I got into my senior year of college, I began to grasp at some wispy threads… my parents know a lot more than I do.
Throughout college and now in my first year of law school, that notion has been increasingly and consistently reinforced. My parents have always given me good advice. It took me a while to truly believe it, but they do have a lifetime of experience for us to glean from. When I was a kid, I used to think they knew everything. Of course they don’t know everything, but they know a lot more than I do. So I tap into that reservoir of knowledge.
I say all this to give you my perspective on how we should value our parents. Everybody has different and unique relationships with their parents. In some of the relationships, there is no real possibility for a candid exchange of advice. Sometimes it may stem from a history of a rocky relationship. Or it may be parental reluctance. I don’t know. I know I’ve been blessed with parents who truly want the best for me and act accordingly. They can’t supply me with everything, and at this stage of my life I don’t expect them to do so. But they can and do supply me with advice.
If you’re in a position to talk to your parents, talk to them. Ask them questions about their life. About their childhood, adolescence, college years. Ask them their views about certain topics and especially ask them to explain why they would those views. It’s a beautiful thing when they begin to open up to you. I’m always impressed when they reach back into their memories and extricate answers.
I don’t know, just something I’ve been thinking about lately. Just a suggestion.
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