Thursday, May 07, 2009

The Parent Trap


Life really is a full circle. When you’re a kid you admire your parents and look up to them. As you get older you think they don’t know much and figure-out that you can do things better – even outsmart them if you have to. When you’re finally a mature adult you recognize that your parent’s wisdom is invaluable. My parents arrived from Puerto Rico to visit me in the BIG Apple. Until 5/24 I will play host and try to sponge up as much of them, their love and all they have to offer. Last night my brother Carlos, my sister Evelyn, my sister Frances and I hung out with the folks at my crib. My mother says we all need to push away from the table…morsel of wisdom #1.


On Blast
Our time with our folks is limited. Whether your relationship with your parents has been a great one or one riddled with angst, do you recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with your folks?

Keep passin’ the open windows…

6 comments:

Ty said...

I love family moments. Cherish you parents while they are here.

BTW- looking good. Have you been lifting?

Unknown said...

The moments are really special! Thanks...and you don't want to know what I've been lifting either...LOL

Ian said...

Cocoa, you and your family like really happy here bro. Hope you enjoy their visit!

Shannon Lee said...

When I spent my Dad's last several years of life taking care of him and helping him thru the loss of independence and his failing health, I realized that we went thru role reversal. I became the parent and often he acted like a child, throwing tantrums when I'd fuss at him for not eating right or not caring for himself in ways that he still could. I became reflective on his role as my father during my growing-up years and I learned to appreciate all the ways he loved and cared for me--letting all the angst-ridden memories of our relationship sail away for good. I find myself parenting my own daughter in some of the same ways he raised me, but of course tweaking things so as not to be as harsh or strict with her as he was with me. I am proud of the parent I've become as a result of his guidance (I never thought I'd say that out loud) and before his passing I made sure to let him know some of the specific things I'd learned from him and how much I appreciated those lessons. I miss him, but I know he still whispers in my ear when I'm faced with some of life's parenting challenges we all go through. I'm forever grateful for that relationship...

Your family is beautiful Cocoa...enjoy your time with them. Can't wait to read the posts where your patience starts to wear thin...they're always funny! Love you!!

~K~

Mr. Jones said...

I'm beginning to. I love my Ma, but Im not the emo type, so I often dont give her what she deserves in terms of affection. I have an odd relationship with my Pops, but slowly we're coming around.

Darius T. Williams said...

Nope...I don't - lol. My mother and I don't have a relationship...her choice, so I'm cool w/that.

Um...Carlos, right? Tell him I said hi - lol.