Raising children to care about others, to care about equality, to care about what’s right and what’s wrong, bears the greatest fruit when we see them as adults, passionate about the very things we instilled in them. 

It isn’t about if they agree with us about the causes we support. It’s about showing them how to support the causes they believe in. 

It isn’t about training them to think like we do, it’s about teaching them to think for themselves. Not what to think, but how to think. 

It isn’t about seeing things the same way all the time, doing things only the way we do, or having the same opinions about everything. It’s about supporting them as they choose to live with passion, compassion, responsibility, and love for all living beings. 

I see this every morning on our morning walk. I feel good every time I pass by this house and I remain curious about the children who grew up to be the adults taking even this simple action. I don’t know who lives there, I’ve never seen them. I agree that black lives matter, I agree that love is love and gay rights are human rights, but what moves me the most is I know they are passionate about what they believe in, and it makes me so proud of them. 

I think I might leave a note next time just to say:
I love you, whoever you are, and I’m so glad you are you!