6.02.2009

Success

"You can use most any measure when you're speaking of success,

You can measure it in fancy home, expensive car, or dress.
But the measure of your real success is the one you cannot spend:

It's the way your kids describe you when they're talking to a friend."

~Author unknown

Years ago, when my kids were still at home, I remember overhearing them talking with friends, hearing 'mom' and was amazed and happy to hear them talk about me in a positive way. When your children are teenagers, you never really know what they are thinking [especially about you, the parent, which sometimes = the enemy] and it made my day [probably my week, month and year!] to hear that they all thought I was OK.

Parents walk a fine line, and there are times when you know your children don't like you at all. But in the end, when they become adults and you can live your lives together as friends, it's a gift.

That's success.

13 comments:

Unknown said...

i've always liked ya! :) loved you, in fact! you're fabulous.

hoLLy said...

you can tell by reading natalie's blog and comments and just from knowing you two that you have such an awesome relationship. you sound like one fabulous mom! jan=success :)

Jill said...

I worry about my relationship with my girls when they're older all of the time. I hope I can have as good of a relationship with them as you have with your daughter!

Cammie said...

I love that quote! It's so true!

SweetmamaK said...

I hope Robert and I are cultivating the relationships now that will lead to that when they are older, we do use one of your philosophies and I think it's key!
love you and your blog!

Mia said...

I'm the enemy a lot... especially when I say no more Oreos :) I hope when my kids are adults we have a great relationship. I think about that a lot, and I hope and pray I am doing the right things now to make that happen.

Natalie Scott said...

My kids already are my world, but I just know how happy I'm going to be having them surround me as adults! I look forward to wonderful "adult" relationships, but treasure the kid ones too. :) You and your family are wonderful blessings.

Carrie and Nathan said...

This post both excited and terrified me! I know the time will come when my girls we be teens and know way more than I do. I can only hope, pray, etc. for the same outcome! You are a fantastic Mom...I've always thought so!

Suzanne said...

Wonderful quote! Not only are you a success with your children, but you are a lucky little thing to boot! Please visit "Just Another Hang Up" for some good news! ;o)

Jennifer said...

I loved that quote! You are amazing, so of course your kids would say nice things about you!

Chris and Tara Mason said...

I don't think that Chris has ever had ill feelings toward you - seriously! He has never mentioned being annoyed with you - even when he was a teenager.
So, you must've struck a good balance between being a mother and being a friend! You should post some tips for the rest of us! :)

BrookieT said...

I hope to be there someday...

tara said...

oh boy. that quote strikes fear into my very soul. i wasn't very kind when speaking of my mom as a teenager...and beyond.

you are a wonderful example jan:)