Yesterday, I received two "Letters to a Future Generation" from my mom and dad. They both started with their past before going forward, which reminded me that peace is the result of a long-term investment and not a short speech. I am so appreciative for every letter that every person is writing, starting with these:
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February 8, 2012
Dear Future Generations,
My daughter will be doing an art installation in Pakistan and has asked friends and family to write a letter to future generations. I sit here and wonder what I have learned in the past sixty three years that I can pass on to you that is meaningful.
First, I know I have been so fortunate to have parents who passed down to me their stories, life lessons, and most importantly, their constant love and respect. My mother’s mother came to America from England as a single woman with the Salvation Army in the late 1800’s to help set up a post in northern New York State. Her mission with the Salvation Army was to help feed, clothe and find shelter for people who were in need. In the early 1900’s she became active in the women’s right’s movement to get equal voting privileges for women and the temperance movement. She was a firm believer in following her beliefs and acting on those beliefs in a very tangible way. My grandmother passed on her strong convictions to my mother who became a nurse and for many years treated not only the patients at Albany Medical Center but also neighbors and family who needed her care. She had strong convictions about what was right and wrong and strong beliefs that people of all races, sexes, sizes and religions should be treated with respect. With unequivocal terms, she expected her family to live up to those expectations.
My father was also very special in my life. He was a musician, a politician, a storyteller, and a great listener. He would look into my eyes when we talked and sort through the everyday issues I was facing and with humor and wisdom lead me to the conclusion that my problems were just not that big and that life was good. He gave me a love for music and a love for the beauty in nature and the inspiration to find that which is beautiful and good in life. When I look into a sky filled with stars on a cold winter night or a sunset on a summer night I think of him and his appreciation of nature and all that is kind and beautiful.
So, what can I tell the future generation? I think this is my most important thing to tell. Be good to your children. Tell your children the family stories that help them to build strong character. Take time to teach them the rules on how to live their lives so that they can respect themselves and respect other people. Teach them to be honest. Teach them that they are not the center of the universe. Teach them that they may be having a difficult time in life at the moment but they have much to be thankful for, if it is only the love you have for them. Teach them to appreciate music and nature and help them to understand the importance of being good to themselves and taking time to enjoy life.
I hope you and your family fare well.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Layton – Heather, Rachel and Corey’s Mom, Mother-In-Law to Brian and Patrick, Grandmom to Amber, Tyler, and Cody, and Teacher and Learning Consultant; New Jersey; United States
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LeRoy H. Layton
New Jersey
USA
A LETTER TO A NEW GENERATION
(One person can make a difference… together we can change the World)
My Experience – I was born and raised in the north-eastern part of the United States. I know well only one person from Pakistan. We worked together at the New York Office of a European Multinational Company. We shared the same objective, to simplify processes and procedures and reduce the procurement costs at the company. We worked well together and had many enjoyable moments during this challenging assignment. The success of our mission was attributed in a great part by our ability to ignore our individual weaknesses and to pull from our strengths, our diverse culture, background and experiences. The end result of our work on a common goal was far superior then if both of us worked separately on the project. We were both rewarded well for our achievements and bonded together as good and trusting friends
My Message - I am confident that the current generation of young citizens in this shrinking World will develop more acquaintances from different countries, races, and religions, and will collaborate more on common positive goals and achieve them in a peaceful manner. If we can work together, drawing from each others strengths, the results will be positive and rewarding for everyone.
Global Needs – All people deserve an opportunity to work in a productive job, have shelter, healthy food, clear water and clean air, and practice their religion in the absence of discrimination or violence. My generation and earlier did a lot to resolve these issues and did a good job, but may have done more. I have high hopes that the next generation, and those following, will do an even better job. They must.
Your Challenge - I pray that the next generation will identify positive common global goals that will enhance the lives of all citizens of the World. Your challenge is to prioritize and accomplish the goals in a timely, equitable and peaceful manner… and make new friends on the way.
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| Mom, Dad, their children and grandchildren on Christmas, 2011 |
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