Over lunch, we discussed a unique family tradition that has been established. Grandma earned a masters. Mom earned a masters. Daughter has earned a masters. It's not often that three generations of women in one family would all achieve this high level of education. I hope my daughter's daughter will earn one of her own someday. I hope I am sitting in the second row of prime balcony seats to see that happen.
One of the doctoral candidates wrote their dissertation on parent's expectations for their children prenatally. I would love to read the summary of that document. We had a discussion out on the lawn after the commencement about that. I don't know what is "normal", but as a young couple we certainly began thinking about that very early and I know that these new parents began thinking about it very early. We did discuss it before she was born.
I believe that parental expectations drive the achievement of the children. I am glad that the three who are out of the nest understand that there is more to learn and experience than what is presented in high school. Life long learning is a good thing, but there is one more thing I hope they learn out there.
Mitch Albom delivered the commencement address at the U this year. His key point was that we will probably spend much of our early adult years earning and getting, but what matters most at the end of a life, is the giving. Usually commencement addresses are forgotten in the moments leaving the stadium. This one was important. In all their seeking, and earning and getting, I hope they also remember the giving. It's not what you get, it's what you give.
