My oldest, at 20, has become someone who commands every room she enters with the confidence of a seasoned leader. She faces every challenge with fearlessness and embraces risk with a courage that leaves me in awe. Her ability to navigate life with such strength and assurance is a testament to her growth and the endless potential she carries.
My youngest, now almost 18, has developed an extraordinary ability to understand and connect with others on a deep level. Her intuitive sense of others' emotions and the tenderness with which she tends to those around her is unlike anything I’ve ever known. She’s cultivated a wisdom and compassion that’s beyond her years, and it’s a privilege to watch her grow into the remarkable person she is today.
These qualities—they’re not just things I admire, they’re gifts that have helped me grow as well. Their courage has taught me to face challenges head-on, and their empathy has deepened my own understanding of others. Watching them evolve and become who they are meant to be has been one of the greatest lessons in growth, inspiring me to keep growing alongside them.
My daughter is in first grade but is already reading at a sixth grade level. She makes time to read at least a little bit every day and is continuing to show me the power of curiosity.
My five-year old son is in this incredible phase where is seems like all the intentional parenting my wife and I attempt to do is beginning to take root in my little guy who id freeze in time if I could. He continuously teaches me the skill of awe in anything we do. He’s passionate and pure. He shows me how great life is/can be.
My three-year old son continuously teaches me patience. He’s at a wild age (just like his brother before him) but even more intense and consistent. He looks and acts just like me which probably makes it harder haha. Remembering the inevitable phases of life and the lessons his older brother has taught me encourages patience so I can still enjoy and connect with him during this time.
I love how clearly you see and name the different gifts each of your kids brings into your life. Curiosity, awe, passion, and patience—those are no small lessons, and it’s beautiful that you’re letting yourself be shaped by them. And I had to smile at your comment about your three-year-old being your mini—sometimes the reflection staring back at us is the most challenging and the most growth-giving. Grateful you took the time to share this, Kyle.
From the other parent of these two daughters... ditto. Two precious women representing the very best qualities of what the world desperately needs today.
That dawdling is actually the right pace. My almost 5 year old daughter notices and delights in so many things. How shadows move, bird calls, a tiny flower growing out of some crack in a wall. And even though I’m so tempted to rush her, I know she’s actually got it right. I’m inspired by her every day to just dawdle and enjoy.
What a beautiful reminder that the pace we’re often pushing toward isn’t always the one that matters most. The way she notices the world—really sees it—is such a gift. It’s amazing how our kids can pull us back into wonder, if we let them. Thank you for this, Megan—it’s the perspective I needed today.
I was just recently celebrating with one of my coaches how much I like my kids (20 yo daughter; 17 yo son.) My kids taught me that we can see the world differently and still share similar values. They taught me that it was far more effective to model than to teach or expect. They taught me that I didn't have it all figured out and that it was more important to model being human than being perfect. They taught me how important it was to see and focus on their capacity rather than their deficiencies. Getting to be their mom taught me to see the world completely differently and I'm so grateful. They taught that to love is always worth the grief that inevitably accompanies that love.
What a beautiful reflection on your journey as a parent. The lessons they’ve given you—about modeling, embracing imperfection, and focusing on their strengths—are so powerful. This is such a powerful statement: "...it was more important to model being human than being perfect." And one parents deserve to hear more often. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Our oldest daughter is someone who can parse the nuances of conflict and can bring people together. She has superb negotiating skills. She is an "all-rounder." She's bright and she's able to read emotions.
Our middle daughter dragged unconditional love around every where she went. She was love, joy and light personified. In her passing she left us with this legacy to do with it what we will.
Our youngest daughter has mad organizational skills, she's so bright and able to see how to get the best out of what she has been given.
What an incredible tribute to your daughters, Nancy. It’s clear that each one has profoundly impacted and shaped your life in their own way. Your oldest’s ability to navigate conflict and bring people together is a rare gift, and your middle daughter’s legacy of unconditional love will undoubtedly continue to inspire you. Your youngest’s organizational skills and resourcefulness are impressive, and it's amazing how each of them has such a special role in your heart and in your family’s journey. Thank you for sharing their beautiful qualities—what a gift to you and to the world. 🧡
It’s amazing how our kids can bring so much light into our lives and inspire us to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges. Thank you for sharing this.
My oldest, at 20, has become someone who commands every room she enters with the confidence of a seasoned leader. She faces every challenge with fearlessness and embraces risk with a courage that leaves me in awe. Her ability to navigate life with such strength and assurance is a testament to her growth and the endless potential she carries.
My youngest, now almost 18, has developed an extraordinary ability to understand and connect with others on a deep level. Her intuitive sense of others' emotions and the tenderness with which she tends to those around her is unlike anything I’ve ever known. She’s cultivated a wisdom and compassion that’s beyond her years, and it’s a privilege to watch her grow into the remarkable person she is today.
These qualities—they’re not just things I admire, they’re gifts that have helped me grow as well. Their courage has taught me to face challenges head-on, and their empathy has deepened my own understanding of others. Watching them evolve and become who they are meant to be has been one of the greatest lessons in growth, inspiring me to keep growing alongside them.
My daughter is in first grade but is already reading at a sixth grade level. She makes time to read at least a little bit every day and is continuing to show me the power of curiosity.
My five-year old son is in this incredible phase where is seems like all the intentional parenting my wife and I attempt to do is beginning to take root in my little guy who id freeze in time if I could. He continuously teaches me the skill of awe in anything we do. He’s passionate and pure. He shows me how great life is/can be.
My three-year old son continuously teaches me patience. He’s at a wild age (just like his brother before him) but even more intense and consistent. He looks and acts just like me which probably makes it harder haha. Remembering the inevitable phases of life and the lessons his older brother has taught me encourages patience so I can still enjoy and connect with him during this time.
Great reflective question as always 👊🏻
I love how clearly you see and name the different gifts each of your kids brings into your life. Curiosity, awe, passion, and patience—those are no small lessons, and it’s beautiful that you’re letting yourself be shaped by them. And I had to smile at your comment about your three-year-old being your mini—sometimes the reflection staring back at us is the most challenging and the most growth-giving. Grateful you took the time to share this, Kyle.
So much to appreciate and learn from these two:
Older daughter: True grit, even in difficult times; willingness to step outside her comfort zone; love of family; killer smile; great mom!
Younger daughter: Courage to do what's hard; truth seeker; insightful; killer smile; great mom!
From the other parent of these two daughters... ditto. Two precious women representing the very best qualities of what the world desperately needs today.
Thanks, Dad. ❤️
Aw, Mom—thank you! That is so kind. And clearly, great smiles run in the family! 😉
That dawdling is actually the right pace. My almost 5 year old daughter notices and delights in so many things. How shadows move, bird calls, a tiny flower growing out of some crack in a wall. And even though I’m so tempted to rush her, I know she’s actually got it right. I’m inspired by her every day to just dawdle and enjoy.
What a beautiful reminder that the pace we’re often pushing toward isn’t always the one that matters most. The way she notices the world—really sees it—is such a gift. It’s amazing how our kids can pull us back into wonder, if we let them. Thank you for this, Megan—it’s the perspective I needed today.
I was just recently celebrating with one of my coaches how much I like my kids (20 yo daughter; 17 yo son.) My kids taught me that we can see the world differently and still share similar values. They taught me that it was far more effective to model than to teach or expect. They taught me that I didn't have it all figured out and that it was more important to model being human than being perfect. They taught me how important it was to see and focus on their capacity rather than their deficiencies. Getting to be their mom taught me to see the world completely differently and I'm so grateful. They taught that to love is always worth the grief that inevitably accompanies that love.
What a beautiful reflection on your journey as a parent. The lessons they’ve given you—about modeling, embracing imperfection, and focusing on their strengths—are so powerful. This is such a powerful statement: "...it was more important to model being human than being perfect." And one parents deserve to hear more often. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Our oldest daughter is someone who can parse the nuances of conflict and can bring people together. She has superb negotiating skills. She is an "all-rounder." She's bright and she's able to read emotions.
Our middle daughter dragged unconditional love around every where she went. She was love, joy and light personified. In her passing she left us with this legacy to do with it what we will.
Our youngest daughter has mad organizational skills, she's so bright and able to see how to get the best out of what she has been given.
What an incredible tribute to your daughters, Nancy. It’s clear that each one has profoundly impacted and shaped your life in their own way. Your oldest’s ability to navigate conflict and bring people together is a rare gift, and your middle daughter’s legacy of unconditional love will undoubtedly continue to inspire you. Your youngest’s organizational skills and resourcefulness are impressive, and it's amazing how each of them has such a special role in your heart and in your family’s journey. Thank you for sharing their beautiful qualities—what a gift to you and to the world. 🧡
(And the youngest is also a very talented fiddler.😁)
Thank you for holding this space for parents to share their children's gifts.
How cool is that?!
Thank *you* for being such a valuable member of this space. I'm grateful.
That life was dreary and without him... He taught me to persevere and keep creating just as he does.
It’s amazing how our kids can bring so much light into our lives and inspire us to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges. Thank you for sharing this.