Talking with my cousin the other day, the subject of parenting came up. We both appreciated learning about a Father/Mother God that everyone could call their parent. We learned the idea from a religion but she pointed out the idea can also be innate to us.

She told me about her husband’s background. His mom was a war-bride, from Japan, living in America. She had 6 children and an alcoholic spouse to take care of, until her spouse drank himself to death. While raising her six children, the mother would tell them, “You are not your father. You are you. You can make good choices in life.”

All 6 children were touched by their mother’s words. They grew into responsible adults and successful family oriented individuals.