All I Ever Wanted

My youngest child turned 24 this week and it got me thinking.

I was quite young when I had my children and I was not the kind of girl who dreamed of a fairy tale wedding, two kids, a dog, and a house with a white picket fence. It seems people that become parents at a mature age have more time to think about the kind of parents they want to be. Because of this, they are more likely to have elaborate expectations and plans for their children. I did not have any major expectations and it all happened rather quickly for me. I married at 19 and had my three children by my 28th birthday!

All I ever wanted for them was to love and be loved. Even now, I really cannot explain why this was and is to this day my daily prayer for my children. Perhaps I formed that prayer because I grew up knowing unquestionably that I was loved. My parents never said the words “I love you” to me but I knew they did; I felt it in my bones. Their love for me was manifested in different ways and it prepared me for the beating life eventually gave me. Believe me when I say life has knocked me down one too many times, but I always rose to my feet. Knowing my parents' love helps me face the world with optimism and confidence.

Growing up in a loving environment is an incredible foundation for children. I believe that children who know love are kind and patient with others; they do no harm. They have a sound moral framework to navigate life. They respect themselves and treat others with respect. They lend a helping hand. They are tolerant of people who are different from them. They are honest. They give. They listen. They are confident. They are well rounded. They are peaceful.

My children are all grown up. They are kind, respectful, and compassionate adults. This is really all I ever wanted.?The Almighty answered my prayers. As they grew and matured, my prayers and dreams for them became more specific to each of their developing needs.

Today, I pray that they continue to love and be loved. I pray that my daughter Stacy continues to excel in her career. I pray that my son Stanley continues to do extremely well at work while seamlessly juggling law school classes. I pray that my son Kenneth gets a great job (he has a double major in business and finance) and excels in graduate school. I pray they continue to make Mom, Dad, and their larger community proud.

Whenever you find yourself around young people, let them know they are loved. By you. By God. By the universe. Love truly conquers all. Love gives you the confidence to take bold steps because you know you have a support system. It makes you resilient. It makes you strong.

?May we all know love, give love and be love!

Iruka A. Ndubuizu is the Executive Director of?Eureka Consulting, LLC. Click?here?for contact info.