There were days I wanted to give up and throw in the towel. I want to tell them, hold on, this is a part of life...it will get better. One day you can laugh at your children when they struggle with their own family.
We've been blessed with the best daughters-in-law, sons, and grandchildren.
David and Karla's Wedding Picture
David and Karla's family 27 years later.
David owns a construction company in Atlanta that helped build the 1996 Olympic Stadium and is now working on the airport addition in Atlanta. Granddaughter, Karia, a graduate of Spelman College, is an aspiring singer and actress. Grandson, Charles, a graduate of Morehouse College, works in the family business, but has decided to go for his Ph.D in education.
Corey (Middle Son) and Kim's Wedding
Corey and Kim's family, 23 years later. Kelsey is a senior in high school, Katelyne is at Purdue, and Kourtney is at the University of Michigan. On Friday, January 8, 2010, Corey will open his second CPA office in Las Vegas. The first one is in Atlanta. Kim is an administrator with the Clark County School District.
Cameron, the youngest, never married. He is Director of Administration for the Executive Office of the President of the United States. He lives the life, spending the last twelve years working for the Democratic Conventions (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008) and the Summer and Winter Olympics, and has lived all over the world.
Whenever I feel unsure and wonder if we were good parents, I look at our sons and their families and think we did OK. When you are young, and the kids are driving you crazy, it easy to believe that you're doing something wrong. This makes me feel we did OK.
It was worth all we gave up or never had.
You did more than OK, I'd say. Your children are beautiful and accomplished. I love to tell people how wonderful my children are and sometimes I feel they turned out to be smart and wise, despite my influence.
ReplyDeleteOh, Christella! what a beautiful and accomplished family you have. You have so much to be proud of and each of your children is testament to the inspiration you and your husband have been to them! Thanks for sharing this and I'm so glad I found it -- happened across it in my reader this morning. I'm very proud of my four as well and all the things they have accomplished. Thanks for sharing this! Made my morning! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
I'm so proud to say that I can call you friend. You and your husband are a true example of being a parent is really all about. Yes, there is lots of sweat and tears and prayer but when you see the results, I know it must make you beam inside.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I love your artwork. I will have to share with you some of my artwork as well. You are very talented.