The Big Question . . .

In writing these few words, it happens to be the anniversary of 9/11.

I'm just one of the thousands of Americans who are pausing to remember the tragic events of that day, along with the awareness and appreciation for the acts of heroism that unfolded. And as I sit here remembering & thinking, I'm pondering . . . how do we tell

our kids, or grandkids about this September 11th of 2001 and what they should know?

I came up with these 3 considerations.

First - We all have to understand that we can't control the actions of others, but we always can of ourselves. There are those who find a way to do what is needed and helpful (like the first responders, the fire-fighters, the law enforcement and all of those citizens that responded that day at Ground Zero, at the Pentagon and at that field in Shanksville Pennsylvania), and those who don't. My hope is that we all find ways to encourage our youth to be ones that step up and help.

Second – Seeing wrongs unfolding and then reacting correctly to thwart or to address them is a characteristic of those that care. Apathy, busyness or distractions are sadly more and more a part of the norms in our society. My hope is that we all are roll-models of awareness, of caring and of action. For if our young ones see these in us, they have a greater chance of embracing those as well.

Third – We need to decide what, when and why to share with our kids, the need to ask the big question. That being . . . do we embrace faith, spirituality or something else? Why?

Because if we don't understand and embrace a deeper view of faith, a broader view of life and a longer view of time, our sense of values, of perspective, of actions have no strong foundation.

As a young father, I didn't really grasp any of this back then. Hence, I was for our kids back in their youth, more on the role-model path verses being on that, but also helping them to learn and to build their abilities, and their decision-making skills. So, don't make the mistakes that I did - make sure your kids are learning and on a path that will help them to become adults who are honorable.

And yes, it all comes down to this: Life is easier when we look back and remember all that we have learned. But it's harder for our kids if they have to learn the hard way, without insights and help from their parents. Which prompts: If anyone hasn't learned and embraced the 3 considerations above – it's not too late to do so today.