HAVE A SPECIAL DINNER WITH YOUR CHILD
On the way to school this morning my son asked me what we were going to do for dinner. You may think that it is odd to be asked so early in the morning, but this kid has always been focused on knowing the details of his meal plan since he could talk. When we would arrive at his daycare, he would run down to the cafeteria to ask Miss Joanne what was for lunch. If he didn’t like the plan, he would negotiate a custom lunch that she would very Jenerously make just for him.
Today was no different. “Roasted chicken, lemon asparagus, lemon parsley mafaldine pasta with vodka sauce,” I said, anticipating the critique. “Sounds great, but can you be sure not to invite anyone over tonight…I want some alone time with you.” WOW! Date night was established.
Later, after the plates were empty and music lessons were done, we sat down to continue our mother-son bonding night. Instead of watching something I wanted to watch or breaking off into separate rooms, I agreed to let him pick which show to watch with one limitation…no cartoons! Spongebob gives me a headache that won’t quit.
Last night, we DVR’ed ESPN’s 30 for 30 about the 1983 NCAA Basketball champions – NC State. I didn’t realize I was about to embark upon a 2 hour journey through the entire history of the season coached by Jim Valvano (“Jimmy V”). While I did suffer through the first hour, the second hour was inspirational as I watched a man full of life and positivity face his death, compliments of brain cancer. At his ESPY’s speech in 1993 he shared that he believes that the secret to life is finding a way everyday to laugh, think and cry. He was an amazing coach who left an incredible legacy, especially through the creation of The V Foundation for Cancer Research, which has Jenerously donated over $100 million to date.
Jim Valvano was a winner…he had passion for the game and for Life
It is amazing what our children can expose us to if we just give them individual time and put them in the driver’s seat occasionally. Tonight, Brooks gave me a great gift…wise words to live by over a simple chicken dinner. VALVANOISMS: Never give up. Have a dream, have a goal and be willing to work for it. Laugh, think and be moved to tears. Have dinner with your kids… The last one was mine, but I don’t think Jimmy V would disagree.
HAVE A SPECIAL DINNER WITH YOUR CHILD On the way to school this morning my son asked me what we were going to do for din...