Look for answers where truth, laughter, kindness, beauty, compassion and love are found. (Not in outward appearances or illusions of perfection. Not in cynicism, apathy or destructiveness.)


10, 13, 16, 19, 21



An exercise in assumption. Have them answer “Just because I _______” doesn’t mean _________”.


10



Sometimes there’s nothing you can say or do to help someone feel better. In times like that, just make sure you don’t make it worse.


14, 18, 21



Never take friendships for granted. Show up. Reach out. Be there when they need you. Friends are gifts; tend to those relationships with love.


15, 20



Visit the Grand Canyon together


18-21



Golf lessons. Grampa loved golf, if he were here he would have taught you himself.


9



Our nervous systems are just trying to keep us safe. If you were thrown into fight/flight/fawn today, give yourself some grace.


14, 21



My love for you will never run out - neither will God’s love / patience run out. I will always instruct, discipline and give consequences for bad behavior- because it’s my job to teach you. But there’s nothing you could do to lose my love. Remind them daily.


5-20



Intimacy is a feeling of safety. To let yourself be seen, touched, known, without defenses.


17, 21



Have family game nights this winter.


9



I don’t buy Mallomars. But Santa does. Another Christmas stocking tradition is chicken flickin. Rubber chickens you shoot like rubber bands.


5, 21



Sign up for typing class. (Keyboarding)


13



Dream big. Work hard.


18



When you’re tired, the next best thing to sleep is a shower.


16



Attend a Pride parade.


9



Sometimes progress is slow - Keep working. Sometimes change is swift - hang on!


16



Of all the things I worry about, addiction is very high on the list. Begin talks (age appropriate) about addiction.


7



Teach them what to do if they hit an animal while driving on the road. (First find out what you’re supposed to do, THEN teach them.)


16



“Your warmth can be an invitation that unlocks their own.” - Elizabeth Lesser. I love this quote because it’s so true that when you’re kind and genuine, people respond. They take it as a signal that you are a safe place for them to express themselves, which will enable a true connection to be formed. You both win when that happens.


15, 21



Hike Jones Run Falls at Shenandoah National Park.


11



"You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read." ~ James Baldwin


14, 19



Alcoholism and gambling addiction run in our family. Be very, very careful around booze and gambling.


14,16, 18, 21



Never make someone feel bad for liking something. Not your kids, your friends or colleagues. Joy is a beautiful thing. Cherish it in yourself and in others.


8, 9, 12



Keep screen time to a minimum.


2-8



At dinner time, go around the table and share your “highs and lows” for the day. (Re-ticket up to 21)


5



Check out First Stage and Wolftrap performances


15



Use Shutterfly or something like it to make Christmas books and birthday books each year.


Infant-21



“If the pain was deep you will have to let it go many times.” Yung Pueblo from book Lighter


15, 18, 21



Be kinder than necessary.


9, 15, 21



Replace “but” with “and.” “I love you but...” Becomes “I love you and that’s why...” etc.


9