‘
I go to my parent’s gravesite to thank them
I thank them for my life.
I thank my mother for driving the distance to the orthodontist.
I like to smile.
I also thank her for insisting I go to UCLA and helping me to join my wonderful sorority Sigma Delta Tau, where I have maintained friends for life. And, Mom, so many times I thought you were wrong and it turns out you were right.
I thank my father for his courage and for all of his words that float around in my head. I tell him that once in awhile they fall out of my mouth and into the ears of others. You continue to be a towering positive strength and our teacher by modeling.
Tell someone something wonderful you see in within and know they will want to hear.
They will know joy and you will feel their love and perceive their gratitude
Sheilaclapkin's Blog; 
Apr 08, 2016 @ 19:41:02
It’s amazing how the words of our parents replay in our minds for a lifetime. It’s important to speak positive words to your children and grandchildren as they will surely impact them as the years roll by. Thanks, Sheila, for the reminder and for the reflection!
Apr 09, 2016 @ 12:59:23
Yes dear Pat who breathed the same H.P. air, thank you for the reminder for me to remember to say positive words. Sometimes it is easier than at other times.
Now that you mentioned impacted words, I have been looking at adults and I see so many impacted words. I even thought to try and cough up my own. Working on that. I see you smiling. Better smiling than coughing.
Apr 08, 2016 @ 22:04:43
In these glorious eldering years I feel so free to affirm people, especially youth. They appear to trust it as their words of gratitude surface immediately. I am humbled by their genuineness and simplicity.
Apr 09, 2016 @ 12:55:13
Yes, honoring the youth is your specialty. Mine, too. But I am learning when I affirm my cohorts it is quite a new arena.
Apr 08, 2016 @ 22:08:43
I was remiss in not thanking you, dear Sheila. You provided me with an opportunity to ponder on your words.
Apr 09, 2016 @ 12:53:41
And in return, I am able to ponder your words.
Apr 09, 2016 @ 08:17:35
as always—-you brought up happy memories–Reene
Apr 09, 2016 @ 12:52:50
Yes, the happy ones, by the way are not as easy as the bad memories. I think it is from the awful ones we learn the most. Thank you, Reene.
Apr 14, 2016 @ 17:15:47
This is a lovely tribute to your parents. They sound like they were wonderful people.
Apr 14, 2016 @ 18:08:21
Dear Sheryl, like your parents, loving and kind. Liked to eat and greet. Goes back 100 year and more. I was lucky to figure them out earlier than later. Bot generous, mindful and full of love. It was hard for dad to show emotions so he stopped himself from crying often. Precious soul. It is not easy to build and continue to have a family that gets along and enjoys each other’s company. Love and good tidings to you and yours.
Sheila.