Building Character – Page 13

A New York City Tribute!

A New York City Tribute!

As cliché as it sounds, like any t-shirt spiriting the infamous slogan sold by endless vendors on the street corners of New York City…

My parents had traveled to New York City several times in their many journeys throughout their lifetime, but I did not have the opportunity to visit there until I was expecting my youngest child. My husband’s profession is in finance and he used to travel to New York City more frequently than he does now. When we were finally able to arrange for me to accompany my husband on a much anticipated business/pleasure trip, I remember waiting for him in the immense courtyards of the Twin Towers feeling that it was surreal to witness the stately presence of these two iconic New York City landmarks!

Like so many events that mark time in history, I think we all remember where we were and what we were doing when we first heard word of the tragic events that took place in New York City on September 11, 2001! I was at the hospital where I work, prepping to help receive a new baby that was soon to be born that morning by a scheduled caesarean section. I attended a few other deliveries that day as well, and sadly, it seemed almost as if some of the parents were a little afraid to show the joy they felt as they held their precious babies close while watching some of the news coverage of the horrific events that took place in New York City on that day! (I suspect that strong, kindred spirits share September 11th birthdays!)

Like many families, we have taken our children to New York City and enjoyed all the various activities that make going there such a unique experience! Once while visiting New York, our youngest daughter, Mandi, who was about 17 years old at the time, really wanted us to take a tour of New York University! Afterwards, Mandi told us that she was going to attend NYU one day! (As mentioned, I was pregnant with Mandi when I first went to New York, so her love of this amazing city seems to have come innately!) I’m not sure my husband and I really gave much credence to this statement at the time, and considering the price of tuition, we hoped it was a fleeting dream!

We underestimated the power of Mandi’s determination to fulfill her dream. She studied exercise physiology as an undergraduate student, and is now working on her PhD at New York University!

New York City has definitely taken on a more personal role in our hearts now that Mandi and her husband, Cole, live there!

Our son-in-law, Cole, is in his fourth year of medical school at NYU!

Each time you touch down at JFK National Airport and hear Frank Sinatra singing “New York, New York” on the speakers of the elevator as you go up to your hotel room, you can’t help but be engulfed by the energy that is New York City! We have been lucky to be able to get acquainted with this great city in a more intimate way since having Mandi and Cole as our personal guides when we visit!

On one of our last trips to New York City, we were able to go with Mandi and Cole to see the memorial pools that occupy the space where the two Twin Towers once stood. We also saw the construction being done on the Freedom Tower. The reverent nature of this sacred, historic site is palpable! You leave with a firmer conviction to try harder at doing your part to make the world a better place!

Our neighbor at the time, had a brother killed when a plane crashed into the Pentagon. We found his name among the many listed at this beautiful memorial!

The two pictures above were taken by Cole and capture so well the kind and thoughtful consideration that the designers of this amazing memorial took to heart as they created a way to pay tribute to all the loved ones lost on September 11, 2001!

We cherish the opportunity we had to see the memorials at Ground Zero with Mandi and Cole!

I’m always fascinated with what Mandi and Cole are doing while living in New York City, and although they assure me that it isn’t always glamorous, they love living there!

When I asked them to tell me in a sentence or two what they loved most about New York City, this was their responses:

Cole said, “One of the things I love about New York is there’s always something new to experience. You’ve never seen it all!”

Mandi said, “I love the fall in New York City! I love that you can feel the anticipation of the holiday season in the air. It is the best time to attend the farmer’s markets, and it’s a couple of months worth of perfect temperatures! Another weather note…I love rain in New York. I have always loved rainy days, so I appreciate that it rains much more here than it does in Utah. (However, the snow situation is pitiful compared to Utah!)

I also love that on a daily basis I have some nice interaction with a stranger. People perceive New York City as a rushed and impersonal city, but that is a misconception. I rarely have a day go by that a stranger doesn’t give a nice compliment or help me out in some way. Finally, of course, I love all the activities in the city. If you want an adventure, delicious food, or a relaxed evening out, you can make it happen!”

Cole also took this picture of the beautiful New York City skyline and entitled it: “The setting sun on the center of the universe!” Perfectly stated!

Our thoughts and prayers are with New York City and all of America today! May we ever be a force for good in the world!

I’d consider it an honor if you shared special memories you have of September 11, 2001, or any neat experiences you’ve had in New York City!

–Mary

Advice This Maternity Nurse Tells New Parents…And Grandparents!

Advice This Maternity Nurse Tells New Parents…And Grandparents!

The birth of the royal baby has obviously been the highlight of the news this week. (The stars must have aligned perfectly on July 22, 2013, because coincidentally, it was a very busy delivery day at the hospital where I work too!) As I’ve watched the media scrutiny and press coverage that has taken place while this birth has been anticipated, it made me appreciate even more the calm demeanor and lovely graciousness exhibited by the new royal parents! Can you imagine having millions of onlookers as you maneuvered your newborn’s car seat into place for the first time! I’ve also been amazed at the volume of parental advice already being offered up by these same news sources! I would imagine that like many couples I see as they plan to welcome their new babies into the world, Prince William and Kate Middleton consulted their obstetrician and prepared themselves as best they could for the birth of their son.

Along with showing their child the abundant love that seems to come inherently to help guide the decisions and actions of new parents, I trust that the royal couple will rely mostly on the examples shown them by their caring parents and good friends. As public figures, more than likely what Prince William and Kate, along with their sweet baby, would appreciate most from those who are so fascinated with their lives and more than eager to share their vast knowledge about child rearing, is what most new parents want, that of being shown common courtesy and genuine regard from everyone as they try and navigate what is best for their family!

If ever there was a time for team effort, parenthood would be it! Sharing ideas and making plans together as you welcome a new baby into your life makes it so that no one feels left out or too overwhelmed. I always cringe a little when I see a new mom or dad (or for that matter, a grandma or grandpa) feeling inclined to criticize how the other is caring for their new little baby. Believe me, there are many ways to do the same task when it comes to caring for a newborn, so unless you don’t want much help with the job at hand when raising a child, it’s best to kindly acknowledge the efforts of others and work together!
As mentioned in my about me introduction, the social media age we live in has created an onslaught of information out there for parents-to-be! It’s wise then to become well-informed about the expectations and trends you’ll encounter with a new baby, but it’s also smart to trust your own good instincts when it comes to knowing what’s best for your new little one! Babies are much more resilient than we fully recognize at times, but extreme measures are usually never in the best interest of either the baby or the parents. (I also think as grandparents that we need to trust in the job we did raising our children; they’ll usually ask if they want our advice! Our own good instincts will also guide us to know when to lovingly offer help.)
No matter how much you study and prepare as you embark on the journey of parenthood, the learning curve will most likely be wide and varied –especially since the disposition of each child is so different! It seems cliché, but just like the words uttered at an amusement park ride–hang on, hold tight and enjoy the ride!

My sweet granddaughters, Makena and Marli as newborns!

What I’m learning now is…

As a grandparent, the one thing I know for sure is that before you know it, your children are grown and raising families of their own! The best advice I got as a young parent was from my mom one day when my children were little. I had anxiously exclaimed that I would be glad when they were old enough to take on more of their physical needs. My mom wisely cautioned me when she said, “Oh Mary, you’ll find that each stage of your children’s lives is busy–it’s just a different kind of busy! You’ll worry and care about them just as much, if not more, when they get older!” So true! What I’m learning now is that being a parent of older, married children still has its hard challenges and sacrifices, along with its joyous blessings! But just like when our children are young, it’s all so worth it as we get the privilege to watch them work hard to accomplish their goals and live their dreams! We should always cherish the opportunity to share in our children’s challenges and heartaches, as well as their successes and triumphs! (I also know that Princess Diana would have loved being a grandma!)

What are some things you’ve learned on your parenting journey, or as grandparents?

–Mary

Greatness! A Special Father’s Day Tribute!

Greatness! A Special Father’s Day Tribute!

“The good that men do lives after them!” Unknown

What makes a father, a son, a brother, a grandfather great? These are some of the things I think made my father great.

Greatness is learning to do things that would make your mother proud!

My dad always talked about the close relationship he had with his mother.

“My mother cared for me with great love and attention.”

“My mother was an excellent cook and homemaker. Since I was the oldest of four children, I helped my mother with many household duties. I especially remember washing and wiping dishes–chores I don’t mind doing in my own home.”

as told by Leroy Jorgensen in his autobiography

“True greatness gains recognition because it has been observed by others, not advertised by the individual” Don Yeager (sportwriter, author)

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit!” Aristotle (Greek philosopher)

True greatness comes with equal parts of strength and humility!

Perhaps one of the things I admired most about my dad was that he lived his life with quiet dignity and great integrity. My father always encouraged me to be teachable and learn new things that would make my life better! In my mind’s eye, my dad instinctively seemed to know how to masterfully balance his life; he worked hard to provide for our family and gave us a wonderful lifestyle, but he also had a significant presence in our home and planned fun outings–even if it was simply to pile into the car and drive to go get fresh raspberry shakes at our favorite ice-cream shop. My dad also knew how to discipline kindly and love genuinely!

“We all get something in life. It’s not worth a nickel if you don’t give back.” Walter Payton (NFL football player)

“I want to be remembered as the guy who tried…tried to be a part of his times, tried to help people communicate with one another, tried to find some decency in his own life, tried to extend himself as a human being.” Paul Newman (actor–my dad’s favorite actor) Quoted from a statement on”Newman’s Own” brand website.

Greatness is taking time to share your enthusiasm for life with those you love!

My father had an insatiable desire to truly experience every aspect of living and shared that enthusiasm with his family and his grandchildren. My dad worked very hard throughout his life and loved it! My father enjoyed serving in our neighborhood and community; he loved this country! My father also loved to learn and audited classes at our local university well into his 80’s. My dad loved his family and showed it without reserve. I’m glad that in turn, I tried to let my father know how much I loved him. Like all of us, my dad had flaws, but he tried to improve upon them; he was quick to apologize if he felt he’d done something wrong. I felt important around my dad and so did his grandchildren. Mostly, he taught us to try and do our best, and more often than not, he was by our side helping us accomplish our goals in life!

“To be truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.” Charles de Montesquieu (French politician)

I hope everyone has a Happy Father’s Day!

How did your father exemplify “greatness” in your life? If you haven’t already, tell him what he means to you!

–Mary