The first time I held my newly born grandson in 2001, I felt connected to the future in ways that I had not experienced before. This child may be alive in the next century. What will he face? How can I help prepare him for his future? The enormity of my responsibility overwhelmed me.
Some have said that one hundred years from now, no one will remember the how big my house was or the type of car I drove. No one will remember what number my fortune reached, or how many things I acquired. They probably will not even remember my name. The measure of my true success will be in how I affected my grandchildren. If I teach them to know what justice is, then my success can be measured. If I help instill in him love of his fellow man, I will have done my job. If I help teach him to do unto others, then I will have met my obligations to him and his fellow travelers.
We are here for only a short time. Our future may be eternal, there may be a heaven, there may be another way of being. We will find out when we die. One certain thing is that our children and grandchildren need us to help them prepare to live life here. We learned from our parents, grandparents, and those that came before them. It is the continuum that has prepared us.
I believe that it is our solemn responsibility to prepare those who come after us to be ready for whatever comes their way.
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You made a really good point. Family influence can mean so much. Good job presenting, too!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great essay. I love the point that you're hinting at. You also did a nice job presenting. You read with heart. I would say Some have said.. in stead of "others have said" in your second paragraph because you didnt make a statement that correlates previous to that intro to the second paragraph.
ReplyDeleteI thought this was an amazing essay and it was very inspirational and moving. I couldn't agree more with your belief. :)
ReplyDeleteI got so much out of your essay, this is something that I will definitely remember as I grow older. There isn't anything I can think of to say for suggestions, it's very well written. Thank you for the inspiration.
ReplyDeletethis is a really good essay. it sort of gives a different outlook on life and what we need to do.
ReplyDeleteTo echo the other comments, this was well presented, and so very true. As a young man I have no kids but I can take away from this to just be a good influence on other people my age and younger, well done.
ReplyDeleteI want to let you know that I have learned more about the real world from my grandparents than I ever did in school. I know your grandkids will remember you even after you've gone, and will talk about you to their friends, and children.
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