BEEN THERE DONE THAT
It’s a peculiar how the dynamics between parents and children change as God and time turn them into grown-ups. Of course those of us on the parent side of things have the advantage of having been there, done that. We remember the lack of wisdom from early adulthood. But everyone forgets some things.
I remember my dad and oldest brother had their strong opinions of what my career path should be. The problem was that I too had a strong opinion. I went another way. They were none too happy at the time. They knew they were smarter than I was, but that’s the gift of free will.
Back at my moment of decision, part of me, a big part, wanted to write. They told me I had a bit of a knack for it. You like hearing that kind of stuff when you’re a kid. Especially when you usually heard the opposite.
On occasion I’ll get a picture from my mom of something I’ve written, drawn, or painted from when I was a kid. Things I’d forgotten all about. Some of them are good, so good I have to double check to make sure it was my work.
It’s tough being a kid and having the gift, and responsibility that feels like a mountain, to choose your path in this life. Especially when you don’t have the time kicking up dust on this ball to have the wisdom to make the best choice.
It’s easier for some kids. Our middle daughter knew since childhood she wanted to be a nurse like her mom. She is. And she’ll be an NP by the end of August. The oldest listened to me and went the business direction. After a couple of semesters she changed her mind and went the medical route too. She’s an NP now.
The youngest is not following suit. She’s on a different path, even though part of her is drawn to the medical field like her mom and sisters. She’s got enough credits now, as a Junior, to graduate honors college, with honors, and with a degree in creative writing. She’s going to hang in to get her minor in sustainability.
While I don’t make a living writing words, it is a hobby. I enjoy it. I also enjoy writing songs. I have five of them being produced now. The desire to create is knitted into our DNA by God. And it doesn’t have to be seen or heard by the masses to find gratification from the process.
My lyrics are like nursery rhymes. My youngest’s lyrics have matured into contemporary literature. She’s forgotten her early days.
I was searching through old posts yesterday knowing I have limited time to write with all that I’m endeavoring these days. I stumbled upon one from May of 2011. Here is what I found within that post;
This is the picture of the poem I took with my phone and sent to my daughter. Just the picture, no words. She texted me back twenty minutes later;
“Did you write that?” It’s great!!!”
I texted her back; “No. You did. In 7th grade.”
I’d shared her poem in a post back when she was in Junior High School. I’d forgotten all about it just like her.
She’ll make her way. She won’t follow precisely the path I think she should, or anybody else for that matter. None of us do or have. As long as she belongs to God I know He’ll guide her to His path for her life.
I know, because I’ve been there, done that.
Sunday, May 5, 2019 @ 5:27 pm
Oh, Floyd, I am so touched that you shared your daughter’s seventh grade poem here – it’s so full of awareness of God’s presence and the lingering innocence of one passing from childhood into the new understanding the teen years bring. She will find her way, her voice, to make a difference in this world, and the Lord will see her through it all, just as you predict here.
With you, I’ve been there, done that.
Blessings!
Sunday, May 5, 2019 @ 6:46 pm
How cool that you sent her the poem that she had forgotten about! Such a good dad. I’m glad she inherited your ability to write. It’s a beautiful gift you both have. Thanks for sharing this, Floyd.
Sunday, May 5, 2019 @ 8:54 pm
The older we get — — the more often we can say “Been there – done That” I love it that your daughter did not recognize her own poem, and that you discovered it and sent it to her. The past few days I spent at a retreat with a few of our church ladies. We needed to share a room. as we prepared to pack up and leave, I reminded my friend not to forget her beautiful shawl. She remarked, no I certainly won’t forget, because YOU gave it to me. I took another look and faintly remembered that I had purchased it in Israel as a gift for her, but then I promptly forgot about it. I suppose that is the way we are to give gifts, just freely without counting or keeping track of them. Loved your Post Floyd.
Monday, May 6, 2019 @ 3:55 am
Our youngest grandchild graduates from high school this month. We all have ideas of what we think he would be good at. He is a people person and has decided to go into Christian counseling. It seems a good fit for him. But from personal experience I know that sometimes the college experience itself changes the direction of our lives. We are looking forward to where God ultimately leads Kodey.
Monday, May 6, 2019 @ 5:03 am
I chuckled out loud when I read the words “degree is sustainability.” Love your craftiness of words there. But I also love her creativity. She did a beautiful job back in 7th grade. Sounds like Diane had a bigger influence career-wise than you did. LOL I really didn’t care what my girls did as long as it was godly. One chose the teaching profession, which has had its ups and downs. The other chose the daycare route but has since gotten out of that. She is now working for a car dealer doing all sorts of stuff. Hopefully it will be something she enjoys. That is the one thing I can pass on to them: enjoy your job. I have for 44+ years.
Monday, May 6, 2019 @ 8:47 am
Oh, how I love this post, and your writing, and your daughter’s writing. One of my granddaughters can sing, the other “used” to be interested in art. I try every opportunity to encourage them to follow their talents. It’s hard today, as one must work so hard to make a living, or simply provide the basics. But, I had no encouragement as a child to pursue my artistic bent and I’ve always regretted that I listened to those who thought they knew better than my own heart. I adore your daughter’s poem and so very glad you sent it to her. Yes! It is good and I hope her recognition of that will spur her on to write, write, write . . .
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 @ 2:07 am
Beautifully written from a beautiful heart. I love your words, “degree is sustainability.” I chuckled when I read it. I thought, “typical Floyd wording”. Love this post and your family.
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 @ 7:28 am
Lovely post, Floyd! I remember your youngest daughter is a writer–and I am touched that you sent her back her poem, with fatherly approval. What a joyful moment for her!
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Sunday, May 2, 2021 @ 7:53 am
Hi Floyd, Now that I’m retired I’ll have more time to read so I thought I would add theregoi to my daily reading. But it seems you haven’t posted anything recently. You haven’t given that up have you
Your loyal followers,
Diana
Sunday, May 2, 2021 @ 11:40 am
I just got too busy to keep it going. And you of all people know I’m not exaggerating!
I miss it and reading the others too. One of these days when I slow down a little bit maybe?🤔😳
Sunday, May 2, 2021 @ 2:40 pm
Those days of groups and sharing are no doubt gone. There will soon be the stopping of notifying when you do a new post. Changes are not always good, but that is life – lots of changes. I lost my blog for some reason, and could not retrieve it. Now that I am teaching weekly in a prayer group, I created a new blog and post my messages there. Some of the messages are challenging, and my viewers to my videos, like a printed version. I miss your stories, and you should write a book Floyd.
Tuesday, May 4, 2021 @ 1:44 pm
Yep, change is imminent.
Glad to hear you’re still at it.
I actually have written six manuscripts, the last one I did land an agent for, but he came up short finding a publisher for it. So close but yet so far!
Hang in there, sister. It’s good to hear from you!