By Sister Carmelina, O.C.D.
Growing up has always been an ‘adventure’ for children as well as parents. In every age the challenges can be daunting, depending on the character and individuality of the child.
The greatest blessings for a child are parents who love with expressed affirmation and sensitivity to their uniqueness. For our Mother Luisita, her mother and father were excellent examples of these qualities. Early in her life (as the firstborn) she exhibited a tendency toward arrogance and self-centeredness. When the twins were born, she packed her bags and informed her parents that she was going to live with her grandmother. It was with delicacy and love that they helped her to understand that each member of the family was cherished and loved in a unique way.
When she was older and riding with her father through the ranch, she refused to acknowledge the farmhands, and her haughtiness was corrected by her father: “Luisita, your face won’t crack if you give a smile.” This comment was powerful enough to ‘turn her attitude around’ as she slowly began the conquest of her strong character, though not without other strong measures. For example, her mother showed strong discipline when Luisita was planning to attend the bullfights. The permission was denied at the last minute which caused a ‘big scene’, but Luisita learned to control her self-will through this and other similar experiences.
It is hard to deny our children the things they want, but the formation in self-discipline and control will have high dividends and serve them well as they grow into adulthood.
