I had originally intended to write a post about how important it is for writers to keep exercising their brains (this on the heels of my being able to read an entire New Yorker magazine for the first time in years) and perhaps next week I will write that post but instead I’m going to put up an open letter I wrote to my teen son who is in St. Louis with his HS robotics team at the FIRST competition.
After looking it over, I figured that it might just not be bad advice for writers to also hear. So here you go, some life advice from a virtual mom.
****
Griffin,
- Have fun with your friends
- Eat good food and each day try at least one thing that is new or local
- Pick up a local newspaper and see what is going on around you
- Find a radio and tune into a local station for a bit
- Compliment every female you see on something – a book they are reading, a necklace they are wearing. Trust me, you’ll make their day.
- Likewise, if you see someone walking a dog comment on how handsome the dog is. No doubt, that dog will get extra attention as a result.
- Touch base with home – we care and worry about you
- If you get lost ask for directions
- If you get cranky – either rest or eat some protein – it helps
- If you win, you deserve it. Your team worked hard.
- If you don’t win – no worries, your team still won because they worked hard.
- I know you don’t want to but take your meds.
- I know you don’t want to but take a shower – every day (chicks dig it)
- Know that I have absolute confidence in you. You are an incredible person who has already made an impression on this world of ours.
- Continue to always grow – know in your heart that nothing, absolutely nothing can ever stop you.
Take care and drink lots of water
love,
mom
***
Wendy Thomas is an award winning journalist, columnist, and blogger who believes that taking challenges in life will always lead to goodness. She is the mother of 6 funny and creative kids and it is her goal to teach them through stories and lessons.
Wendy’s current project involves writing about her family’s experiences with chickens (yes, chickens).
Good advice for anyone anwhere.
Thanks Jamie.
This made me smile! I love giving compliments… and although I don’t always take my mom’s advice, it’s wonderful to know that she cares.
Thanks for sharing!
Beth,
The other day I complimented a young woman at the bank on her necklace (it wasn’t hard to do, it really was an outstanding piece of jewelry). Even as I drove away from the bank I could still see her smiling.
Such an easy thing to do.
Thanks for the interest.
Wendy
this is wonderful! and sounds exactly like something my mom would say <3
p.s. i grew up in st. louis. trust me, he's having a great time!
Kristen,
Thanks for the reasurrance he’s having fun.
Actually this evening the FIRST kids are being treated to a concert by The Black Eyed Peas – me thinks tonight gonna be a good night.
Wendy
This was lovely and inspired me to write open letters to my daughter and daughter in law both whom will graduating this Sunday.
It made me smile (alot), but I also know there are some personal items that I would like to add for each of them. Thanks for the inspiration.
Vonda
Vonda,
I’ve done things like this a few times before (birthday and holiday letters to my kids) and these letters and cards are truly cherished by my kids. I want them to have copies of what I wish and hope for each of them in case for some reason I’m too busy to get to it and then it becomes too late.
Go for it. What a lovely graduation gift.
Wendy
Loved it! Thanks for sharing with everyone.
Nancy
http://dogear6.wordpress.com/
Thanks, I’m afraid it’s the old “once a mom, always a mom” in me that made me do it.
Wendy
I love this
Moms are so wise.
Emily,
Thanks and BTW my son is back home and he had a great time.
Wendy