This Friday’s reflection is inspired by two things: my youngest child graduating high school next week, and the movie The Bank of Dave. Both got me thinking about the importance of community.
As my kids become adults, my role as a parent is changing. It’s a bittersweet time. The Bank of Dave reminded me of the kind of supportive community I want for my children (and everyone!).
Here are the key things Tonya and I want our children to know as they enter adulthood:
- Unconditional Love: You are loved no matter what, as I write about in my book Purposeful Living, Wisdom for Coming of Age in Complex Times (available by clicking this link, or your favorite bookstore – It makes a great graduation gift!).
- Lifelong Support: We’ll always be there for you, through thick and thin. We’ll celebrate your wins, pick you up when you fall, and be a shoulder to cry on. Life has its ups and downs, and that’s okay. You will fall and you fail. That’s part of it. We’re your safety net, allowing you to take risks and chase your dreams. But we can’t choose your path for you. You get to decide your adventure! We’ll be your home base, a place to heal and recharge.
This is what family and community are all about. Alone as a single thread, we’re easily broken. But together, we’re a strong, supportive fabric. Even if we face challenges, the community holds us up. That’s what resonated with me in “The Bank of Dave.” I want to have that kind of community for me and my children.
There are no wrong decisions. We make choices, and then our actions turn them into the right decisions. Lean on your community for guidance, but ultimately, the choice is yours. And if things don’t go as planned, we, your community, will be there to catch you.
I hope you have this kind of community in your life. As we celebrate graduation season, remember the power of creating this kind of support system for yourselves and for those around you, especially your children or others coming of age.
Wishing you a great weekend,
Art
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