A Parent’s Influence Lasts Forever

There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings.
– Hodding Carter

As parents, it’s easy to get caught up in our role as chauffeurs when our children are young. It’s harder to keep in mind just how important we always are in our children’s lives—even when they’ve grown into independent adults.

Joannie Rochette during the 2010 Olympic medal ceremony (Photo by Liz Chastney)

We need to remember that our children are influenced by us forever. I think we were all moved by Joannie Rochette’s strength of character and heartwarming Olympic programs as she successfully coped with her grief over her mother’s recent death. Joannie said in one NBC interview that her mother taught her something important that helped her compete at the Olympics:

“When you do something in life, give it your best shot.”

In another NBC interview, Joannie said that her mom taught her to be tough. There was no doubt about Joannie’s toughness during the 2010 Olympics. Joannie skated beautifully, winning the bronze medal. More important, though, I’m sure her mother smiled as Joannie lived what she had been taught.