 "A Mother's Reckoning A Sunday Book Review by Sue Kebold The New York Times This post is continued on from the previous post. It is an article from The New York Times where you hear the voice of Susan and what she has personally experienced and potentially triumphed over the years.
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This trip was definitely focused around Moments. Revisiting New York after 4 years and taking in all the memories, my favorites, the people, the food, the gorgeous weather, the cloud patterns in the sky, the daily buzz, the business owners, magazine stands, zumba and dance classes, subway cars. A few photos at the conference, a couple photos with friends here and there, and time with family in New Jersey.. There were very few photos taken on this trip and I am proud because a whole album of photos was not the mission or purpose. Being physically present with my family was the most important factor with a feeling of love, support, caring, and laughter. It's much better than any photo and perhaps that is why family love is so contagious:) A photo is nice to have as a souvenir, but memories find their space within the heart. PCR
 With my Grandma  All those who are beautiful, committed and loving parents often catch my eye. It's the look in their eyes of complete adoration, the eyes that serve as protection, their bright smile that seeks forever happiness for their child. It is difficult for parents to balance it all in this busy life, but a good parent puts their child first. Some examples of fathers I know are the ones who make sure to never miss a soccer game, they leave town for business but fully utilize Skype, they work two jobs and use their lunch breaks to teach their child English, they don't "spoil" there child yet they reward good behavior, they don't yell rather they provide answers and compromise, teach their child realistic life skills, catch them when they fall, give space yet get answers , and love them unconditionally. It's not a big day for myself to celebrate, but what we don't have shines light on what should be. As a Behavior Analyst, it creates a deeper focus on the interaction between father and son. Also, I travel a world witnessing beautiful children with a father who prioritized other things or just gave up from the beginning.I personally know the role of a father contributes to a child's psychosocial development in ways many just can't imagine. It's something many don't think about, but I do all the time. Having a loving, caring father can change a child's life. Those moments that seem small are actually some of the most significant. And that is what I witness when I observe great fathers. They are extremely dedicated, loving, and responsible. They make mistakes, but they learn from them. They learn that those small moments make a difference for a child. A great father is present for both big or small, good or bad, easy or hard, successful or disappointing-these fathers are the ones that make the world go round. Thank you to all the fathers who have stepped up to the plate and been the best father they can be. It fills my heart with joy to watch a father walk down the path of life hand to hand with their child. Happy Fathers Day  When someone ever mentions the word "Mall" you will always here my Mom with a big sigh. She is just not the person who loves Malls or spending hours shopping. The lines, the food temptations, the fighting for sales, and getting lost in the grand size.
Lately, I have pretty good discipline and I don't shop at Malls unless I need to go to a department store. But When In Rome...... Do Like the Minnesota folks Shop it up at Mall of America. Mall of America is just one of those things you can check off your bucket list as it is the "Largest Mall in America." It is filled with great food, shopping, and fun things to do. Waterpark anyone? Lego land? Rollar coaster? Ice skating? It's like an amusement park on skates holding a shopping bag. It is clearly the kind of place that you can spend the day and it is also the place to bring children. Let them get their child amusement while you get your adult amusement maxing out credit cards-yaay for malls right? Malls are a love and hate relationship for me, but the "dislike" part became worse when I visited the Philippines-Manila and found maybe over 50 malls. Apparently, the Chinese and the Philippinos go into business over there with some serious money to build malls and let the poverty continue to get worse. While being in the Philippines my frustration became so bad I wanted to start a protest for those living on the street surrounding these malls in poverty. Locals in Manila act in extremely selfish ways, choosing five different pastries for themselves at Bread talk café, and completely disregarding what is outside of the mall when they leave. Starbucks, Burger King, and an abundance of shopping stores take priority. The Mall of Asia is crowned the "biggest mall in Asia" in Manila, Philippines. People are so proud of this Mega mall with five levels and three buildings. It requires a map, an application, and a directory to get around it. It makes Manila special having this mall and this recognition for something so beautiful. That is what is important-corporations and malls. When Malls exist in America-that is one thing. When Malls exist in a third world country-that's a whole other story as the economy has a whole boat load of things to be concerned about and it is NOT Mrs. Field's cookies or American Eagle It's unfortunate that Malls come in and take out smaller businesses It's unfortunate that people overspend and take money from their saving to buy a Chanel Purse(perhaps not Chanel love it too much) It's unfortunate people can't control their desire to eat from the artery clogging food court Its unfortunate that people spend more time in malls than reading books This sounds like I'm a "Mall Hater," but I'm a "Mall Moderator." I want people to enjoy the mall in moderation, have awareness to those who can't afford a mall, and buy what they need rather than have a closet full of clothes just to have it. I do love clothes, I do love shopping, and I do love sales but overtime I have become more aware of what I spend, where I spend it, and how I spend it. It's not an unlimited shopping spree rather it is what I can afford within my budget. As for Mall of America, I bought a few dresses and a few hours later we were on our way back to Chicago-a city with many more malls and shopping. |
AuthorPriscilla CL Raj is a Therapist, Missionary, Writer, English Teacher. She is an enthusiast who is passionately purposeful in her life. Archives
January 2019
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