I can remember making such bold statements as, “When I am a mom, I will never….” I think about my mom now and appreciate much that she taught me. With the strengths also come the weaknesses. Stubborn or determined? Strong or bull-headed? Foolish or sensitive?
The family unit, with all of its flaws, shape us with all of our flaws — and all of our strengths. The hurts help us to shape the future. But like a pendulum, the next generation is likely to change for my over compensations and make other changes for my lack of strength where I was protected.
My girls will be shaped by me. some by emulation and some by avoidance. It is the value of free will and choice. It is also the pain of free will and choice. Each generation must determine the swing of the pendulum. They will create a generation that determine to swing at a different speed. Some will slow down and some will speed up, but inevitably, they will swing at a different speed.