Staying true to self

0

Dear Grandparenting: My grandson Drew, to quote Oscar Wilde, “can resist anything but temptation.” He’s apt to do stupid things with his friends he wouldn’t do otherwise, stuff he comes to regret. Otherwise, Drew’s a pretty good kid going on 15. Any words of wisdom? I think it’s mostly a matter of learning to be true to himself. Celeste Conte, New York, New York

Dear Celeste: As grandchildren begin to transition toward independence, their peer groups exert an exaggerated influence. We’ll leave you with this oft repeated bit of verse entitled “The Man In The Glass,” about the struggle to be true to self. Here’s hoping it gives your grandson something to think about:

When you get what you want in your struggle for wealth

And the world makes you king for a day

Then go the mirror and look at yourself

And see what that man has to say

For it isn’t your father or mother or wife

Whose judgment upon you must pass

The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life

Is the guy staring back from the glass

He’s the fellow to please, never mind all the rest

For he’s who you clear up with in the end

And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test

If the guy in the glass is your friend

You may be like Jack Horner and chisel a plum

And think you’re a wonderful guy

But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum

If you can’t look him straight in the eye

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years

And get pats on your back as you pass

But your final reward will be heartache and tears

If you’ve cheated the guy in the glass

Grand remark of the week

Elliott Brown from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania weighed in with this observation:

“It’s common knowledge that parents feels comfortable entrusting their children to grandparents for extended periods of time, which might explain why so many grandparents flee to Florida.”

https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2022/02/Tom-and-Dee-byline-2.pdf

Tom and Dee and Cousin Key

Dee and Tom, married more than 50 years, have eight grandchildren. Together with Key, they welcome questions, suggestions and Grand Remarks of the Week. Send to P.O. Box 27454, Towson, MD, 21285. Call 410-963-4426.

No posts to display