Setting the Bar

This fall two significant things happen in the family.  The first, Samantha became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. This was a huge milestone for her and for the family. The second, TJ beat me in a 5k Race; mine was the Run the Quay 5k and his was a Cross Country Track meet 5k.  This was a milestone for him, and for me.

These two events are significant because they have the same common theme; in both cases, my children surpassed my accomplishments. 

Samantha became a Second Lieutenant in the Regular Army. She graduated from a top tier university with honors, completed ROTC training, and pinned on her Gold Bars.  In every respect, at her age, she has accomplished more than I did at 24 years old.  I did not go on Active Duty, I did not go to a top school, and I certainly did not graduate with honors.  It is true that Sam has a long way to go to get to when I accomplished in my 33 years of service. However, she certainly has a good start to get there.

TJ is developing into a fine runner. As a freshman, he is already on a Varsity team and has improved on his performance to the point that he is finishing second or third on his team.  He is already ahead of where I was as a scared freshman in a new school. I did not try out for sports until my junior year. I never really improved on my performance. It is true that TJ has a way to go before he has as many medals and races under his belt as I do. However, he is certainly off to a good start.  

I have always set a high bar for my children.  I did the same for my ROTC Students.  The bar is not that high that it cannot be reached because I reached it myself.  The challenges that are laid in front of my children are meant to be achieved if desired. I suspect that Grant will not be a runner. However, there is a challenge for him to be smarter than me and his mom.  While some parents might be jealous or envious of their kids surpassing them, I feel just the opposite. There is a deep feeling of satisfaction when the people you love do better than you.  I stand atop the pedestal expecting to be knocked off of it. It affirms that the work you have invested has a dividend. It is a statement that both active and passive lessons have been learned, instilled, and synthesized to produce something better than the original. In other words, good parenting and role modeling.  

Our kids are watching us all the time and absorbing like sponges.  The good and the bad. The swear words and drinking. The hugs and high fives. The shouting and praise.   

I am a very happy dad.