TED CAREY

Roots and Wings... a quote I heard once to describe a parenting style. And in my opinion nothing sums up my father's gentle way better than this! Together with my Mom they instilled in us strong roots, the door to home was always opened and always a soft place to fall if we needed it. But he also believed we needed wings, to venture out into the world and make a place for ourselves, a place we felt safe in, no matter where that place was, he was always proud! A few weeks ago my Mom and Dad joined us at our home for a meal, something we did quite often. And during this meal Adriana, fondly referred to as Sweet-stuff by her T-pa, found herself more interested in playing than eating... something that also happens quite often. In front of her she had a plate of food, a sippy cup of juice and a big girl glass of Milk just like her T-pa. This particular meal Adriana was desperate to mix her milk and juice together, as a natural reaction... knowing how poorly that combination would taste I told her "no" that she would not like the flavour mix but that she could drink each separately. When the meal had ended Dad gently suggested that now that we were all finished eating that I allow her, to make the Milk/Juice flavour choice. That it was important for her to figure out certain things for herself! I agreed, we mixed the two cups together and Adriana had a try... Her response, so full of pride was "tastey… thank you T-pa". Throughout life Dad allowed us to make choices for ourselves even though he often didn't understand them, or agree... He insisted that we find our place... he knew that someday he wouldn't be here to make those decisions for us. So he helped guide and strengthen us, while he was here... "You need not worry Dad you did a good job... even if I have to say so, myself!"