Dr. Pasick’s father overseas in WW2
Happy Birthday, Dad. Today you would have been 97. I thank you for many things, but most of all for teaching me about discipline and love . From the time I was in sixth grade, you made me study in my room for two hours every night. I’d tell you that I’d finished my homework, but it didn’t matter. “Robbie,” you’d say, “you need to be disciplined to succeed in life.”
Dad, your life was a lot tougher than mine has been. You lost your mother when you were 6 and your grandmother when you were 10. Your dream to become a doctor was cut short by the war. You enlisted and spent three years on a secret mission the Middle East. Once you came back, you started a family and were never able to fulfill your dream.Thank you for giving me so much love and teaching me so many important lessons.
Dad, these days I work with many people who blame their parents for their problems. I tell them their parents were probably doing the best they could, given their life circumstances. I remind them that their parents were repeating the patterns they had learned from previous generations. Now, with their own children, they have the opportunity to change any negative patterns of parenting.
Dad, as a gift to you, I am sending some of your key learnings on through my Dr. Rob column. Please know that even though you are gone, your voice lives on.
This holiday season presents an opportunity to share your gratitude with family and loved ones.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Take a moment to think about the contributions your parents made to help you become person you are today.
- Instead of dwelling on what your parents did wrong, I encourage you to focus on the gifts that you were given by your parents.
- Tell your parents now how grateful you are for their contributions. If they are not alive, write them a letter or poem to them to let them know.
- Share with your children the gifts you received from your parents.
- Every chance you get, through your words and deeds, show your children you love them.