I listen to you everyday on the way to and from picking up my daughter from school, (who by the way thinks we are twins). First and foremost I am my husband's wife, girlfriend, and best friend. I am my 4 kids' mom, and my 4 grandkids' grammy.
I listen to the women on your show, old and young, and I often wonder, "What the hell are they thinking?". Today is my 30th wedding anniversary. I was married at 17 years old and I knew at that young age it wasn't going to be easy. Knowing what I came from, I knew pretty much everything NOT to do. Growing up, there were drugs, stupid parenting and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, yet I continue to choose to make better choices, be a better person and not dwell in the past.
I raised my 3 boys (ages 29-28-22) to be men, to respect their wives, support their family, work hard and play harder. My youngest is 17 and the only girl. She has endured many years of bullying in school, but will tell those idiots off in a heartbeat because I instilled in her, that her self-worth is hers alone and she will not allow anyone to take that from her.
My two oldest sons are married, they chose wisely in their women, and I now have 2 more amazing daughters. They both are working hard to make futures with their families. My oldest son's wife is the stay-at-home mom of my four grandkids. We all live on the same 20 acres and manage not to kill each other. My second son lives out of town, but we speak almost every day because he likes to keep us a apart of their lives. My youngest son chose to serve his country and is currently in the Navy and is dating an amazing woman. They plan to marry, but not until they have finished college and his training.
I would like to share some of my wisdom with your listeners:
- Love your husband and don't expect him to be perfect, I assure you, you are not.
- Teach your children responsibility, loyalty, honesty, and give them a work ethic, and honor the family they will create.
- Parents of grown children, if you did your job they will do theirs, so don't offer your advice. If asked for advice really think before you answer it, since it is hard to stop treating our kids like kids.
In closing I want to acknowledge my husband of 30 years for being an amazing man in my life, since all the previous men fell short. Thank you for not just being here in my life, but being with me in the life we created. I love you more now than ever. Dr. Laura, I did do the right thing!
Veronica
