Vicarious Living through my Kids

Date: 1/14/08

To: My Kids

I was just thinking about each of you and how I love you. It started out with me thinking about Kevin getting 4th chair in the first all region band. I experienced what I never achieved vicariously through him. I am so happy for him and feel, as it says in Mosiah, to “give to each his due,” but for a father, it is as if to say, I could have done that too if I had tried. Therefore, I sin by an expansion of pride and self aggrandizement through the hard work and accomplishments of my children. I have felt that way for each of you as you have been elected to school office, win talent shows, get good grades, graduate from school, get married to wonderful additions to the gene pool, and so many accomplishments. Each thing each of you do glorifies your mother and me. Is this what happens to our heavenly Father as we add to His glory? Is it a sin to grow in pride and glory because of your great kids?
As I sprint through life, I feel like I am at a smorgasbord and my eyes are bigger than my stomach; so many things to see and do and so little time to experience it all. But with my children and grandchildren my reach into the experiential realm spreads and grows like the tendril roots of a great tree. I love the way you bring back video and pictures from your experiences and share those with me. Mark with your instant video historical assessment of the year, and Becca with your blow by blow interpretations of your children’s antics reported frequently and eloquently in your blog page. The same with Jena and Kathryn’s telephonic and photographic reports of your comings and goings.
I just love you all so much and, as my favorite comedian, Bob Hope says, “thanx for the memories.”

Love,

Dad