As a parent it is a really cool moment when one of your sons in discussing his career options mentions that his primary focus is to choose a path that offers an opportunity to learn, grow, and have high impact on the world we live in.

When I first found out, six years ago, that my son within a 24 hr. period of time decided to join the army I was initially massively triggered (overwhelmed with feelings of fear, distraught, shame, and helplessness).   Yet as we, as parents, reflect back on our son’s military experience we both agree that it was absolutely the most beneficial experience he could have had.

Many times I think I know what is best for my sons lives.  They make right turns when I fervently believe a left turn is appropriate. Yet each of my boys is carving out a life that still reflect deeply held values that I hold dear.  Somehow they have evolved despite my neurosis and fears.

You see I am a bit of a fraud.  I tell all of my clients that you can not compare yourselves to other parents yet I find myself, from time to time, falling prey to that seduction.  I then regain consciousness and remember to practice interrupting these self defeating  thoughts,

 Beneath the senseless mind chatter is a deeper and more abiding truth:   I am proud to have a relationship to these two fine young men that I am privileged to call my sons.