My fabulous life
Posted: Thursday, November 03, 2011
by Bruce Horst
WryteStuff
I've been enjoying reading the writing in the flawed / fabulous writing assignments, though there are only about half as many submissions to the fabulous assignment than there were to the flawed assignment. Why do you think that is?
It seems to me that those of us who have struggled with the greatest flaws also have the potential to possess the most fabulous strengths.
Marriage hasn't always been easy for either Jean or myself. Because of our opposite personalities, we've had to work hard to accommodate the other. The rewards for having doing this, for having such diversity in our marriage and working it out regardless, have been nothing short of fabulous. I know Jean would agree! There's nothing like diversity to bring about incredible strength, and my flawed marriage is a great demonstration of this.
I grew up with a father who, for religious reasons, had a hard time saying the words, 'I love you' or 'I'm proud of you.' How messed up is that? Whatever difficulties this brought to my life, it ultimately resulted in me being a father who regularly tells his kids, 'I love you, I think you're doing great, and I couldn't be more proud of you.' My oldest son finally figured out why I say these words to him so often, and last Father's Day he made sure to speak them to me. Yeah, my kids are fabulous. In a world where we're constantly told that we shouldn't be friends with our children because they need parents and not friends, I've found that I can be a good parent at the same time that my kids can be wonderful friends. That's fabulous, too.
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Top-level comments on this article: (10 total)This is a fabulous family. I believe you and Jean are first fabulous parents to your kids to make them fabulous in all aspects.Thanks Hilda!
What more could a man ask for but a close knit family. Someone to share your accomplishments and hardships, good article BruceI absolutely agree, David. Other things pale in comparison.
Hi Bruce.
You completely skirted the issue of what YOU are fabulous in. :) Bad you. :) Well, okay maybe not completely because you are obviously good at making a marriage work and helping to raise well adjusted and intelligent children. But you came at it from such an impersonal point of view ("For myself, the two things in my life which I believe are the most fabulous are my marriage, and my kids."). At least that's how I read it. This is not a criticism. I hope you know me well enough to know that.
Regardless, I enjoyed reading what you wrote. And as always, it was very well written.
Hugs,
DianneAh, Dianne. You caught me! It is hard for me to say I'm fabulous at anything.
I'm a fabulous husband, and I'm a fabulous father. There, I said it. (and not just because Jean said I had to!)
I think you and Jean have a fabulous marriage, Bruce; it's always great to read anything either of you write about it.
It's SO messed up when parents can't say I love you and I'm proud of you. But as your friend I feel proud of you for knowing how important that gift is, and for giving it to your own children :)Yep, very messed up. I think the world in general is becoming more enlightened though, and that's why I'm optimistic about the future and future generations.
We're really proud of you, too. For the small role our website has played, your story is a picture of success for this website! I can't wait until I can buy your book and read it on my eReader.
You are a fortunate man Bruce--great story--great life!
SteveThanks Steve.
"You done good." As they say in some place called Texas. I did not grow up under the oversight of a "Quaker", and you can feel that constraint in your life, and your family's life.
But you know what? It is obvious that you are a great Dad, and a great Hubby. It is actually almost freaky that you still have harsh discipline as a part of your system. Sit back, be happy. Work hard. Be strong. And then, just kick back and smile. God takes care of us all.Thanks Christofer. I wish I could. Maybe some day I can.
When I was in HIgh School there was a book I'm OK your OK. I never felt like I was OK. But I think I was just taught to focus on negatives, and maybe I was inclined to do that too. You remind me that my wife and son are the greatest positives in my life. Thanks for the reminder.Yeah, Tex, I've heard of that book. I think you and I are cast from the same mold. It would be nice to feel like I was ok. When you figure out how to do this, please let me know.
Lucky you. Lucky kids. And lucky Jean! Who says parents can't be a good parent and still be a friend to their children? Great title because from what you've said, you're life is pretty fabulous! Merry Christmas to you and the family Bruce.
Bruce,
Thanks for sharing the article on your fabulous life. I enjoyed reading it.
I wish you and your family a safe and happy new year.
Hi Bruce,
Great article.
I loved this part, "It seems to me that those of us who have struggled with the greatest flaws also have the potential to possess the most fabulous strengths."
Hope that you say more about this elsewhere.
Blessings to you and your family in the New Year. DawnThanks Dawn. I've written about many things over the years, though as I've entered mid-life I've found many of my views have changed, so if you do happen to stumble upon some of my older writing, you will probably notice a shift in thought. I'm not embarrassed of the shift. Actually, as an old dog I'm proud to be learning new tricks, but it might be confusing when you look at all my writing from beginning to end. I'd love to be able to discuss some of these shifts in thinking with you. Some of those old ways of thinking I consider to be serious flaws, and I'm glad to see them being turned into strengths today.
You are such a great addition to the writers' community here, we're so glad you've decided to join us!
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