“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” - Maya Angelou


12, 15, 21



Introduction to 70’s Southern Rock. Skynyrd, Allman Bros, etc.


14



Resentment is a sign you are giving too much and are in need of replenishment. It’s a good example of how even the “negative” emotions are on your side, interpreting your experience in the world.


16, 18, 21



Promise me you’ll never intentionally hurt anyone (including yourself.) There’s no need to suffer in silence, I will help you or get you to someone who can help you no matter what, no matter when, no matter why.


13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18



Play to win but play fair. Be a gracious winner. Someone has to lose. Sometimes it will be you. Don’t whine.


10



When disciplining remember: First acknowledge the emotion, then address the behavior.


2-4, 13, 15



1

The only thing that matters is love. When we live with love - for God, for others and ourselves, that is what makes life worth living.


16



Be appreciative of people’s time. Send thank you notes after interviewing and applying for jobs, scholarships, etc. even if you don’t get picked. It’s common courtesy and it’s a good way to make a good impression for next time.


18, 20



Go on a tour of the Kennedy Center. Free guided tours through Friends of the Kennedy Center.


10



Sometimes it’s easier to describe what a thing is *not* than to describe what it is.


14, 21



Read "A Wrinkle in Time" (me too.)


10



“Bullies are scared people hiding inside scary people.” -Michelle Obama


8-12



Watch documentary The Rescue together.


15



Make “good trouble” as Rep. John Lewis said. Justice is won, not given.


14, 19



Marry your hero.


21



Sponsor a child in a developing country. Write letters, learn about their country and their life.


8



In social situations it's better to talk too little than too much. Don't over-share with people you're not close to.


15



1

Be yourself. No need to pretend to like something the crowd is doing. Half of them are probably just as unenthused as you are but are afraid to say so.


12, 15



Book “8 Candles and a Tree” about celebrating interfaith holidays.


7



You always have a choice. Always.


15, 19, 21



Kitchen knife skills. Know how to properly and safely cut, slice, chop, dice, carve, etc.


15, 21



Train for a mini-triathlon together as a family this year.


12



I heard a song today, “I love you to the bone” by Sammy Copley. It’s a beautiful story of a lifelong love. It’s my prayer for you that your spouse will have that song played at your funeral after you shared a 75 year- long happy marriage. It’s my prayer that your life is filled with love and laughter, and most importantly a partner who grows with you in all good things. And that you love each other to the bone.


21



There is a cost and a duty to everything we own. Rachel Maddow


16



Read “Spare” by Prince Harry.


20



Grandpa always said everything boils down to how you treat people. Always treating people with kindness and respect is the most important lesson he wanted to get across to us.


12-21



The moment you lose your cool, you’ve lost.


12,13, 14, 15, 16, 21



Say it early and repeat it often, so that it sinks way down deep: There is nothing you could do to make me stop loving you. No mistake, no failure, no decision, nothing. There is no hole so deep that if you fell into it I wouldn’t climb down to help you out of. I love you no matter what.


7



Toddlers fall... a lot. Most falls are harmless but sometimes bad accidents happen. Head injuries are scary because they bleed and swell. If bleeding doesn't stop within a few minutes or you can see it's a big gash, head to the urgent care. And remember if the swelling goes out (“goose egg”) that’s a good thing: Better out than in.


2