Isn't a kid alive who doesn't dream about rewarding her folks, or punishing them.

Fathers. Mothers. With all their caring and attention. They will f--- you up, every time.

When we were merely children, we constantly hold onto our parent’s hand for protection and safety. When we reach adulthood, the same hands shake one another but this time, gleaming in their eyes is the essence of contentment that conveys to us "We are proud."

Avoid providing material for the drama that is always stretched tight between parents and children; it uses up much of the children’s strength and wastes the love of the elders, which acts and warms even if it doesn’t comprehend. Don’t ask for advice from them and don’t expect any understanding; but believe in a love that is being stored up for you like an inheritance, and have faith that in this love there is strength and blessing so large that you can travel as far as you wish without having to step outside it.

While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.

Your folks are like God because you want to know they're out there and you want them to approve of your life, still you only call them when you're in a crisis and need something.