WHAT would you want to leave for or gift your children with?
How do you distribute what you wish them to have?
As parents, we have started doing so from the time our children were born. We have shared with them our faith, time, values, family heritage, happy moments, as well as our trials and difficulties. While the latter may not have been shared in detail, they could feel and experience what we were going through. What they learned was not just how circumstances and situations were, but rather, how we faced them. Where did we get the courage, the persistence, and the perseverance to address and overcome the challenges in life?
Today, I have the special privilege of not just working for myself and for them, I am blessed to be working with them.
Thus, I have to especially conscious of the fact that all that I do, and all that they see, must be what I want to gift them with. I should Live and Lead by Good Example. Unfortunately, sometimes, I fail.
Aside from these Intangible gifts, we usually spend time and thought on how and to whom we are to hand over the tangible possessions we may have accumulated over time.
This week, out of the blue, I asked myself what I should leave, not for my children, but for my first grandchild. As I had the answer within a few seconds, I quickly asked my wife, Angie, what she thought I had decided on giving or leaving behind for Conrad Francis. Within five seconds, she blurted out her guess. And she got it right! She knew me! Her answer was proof of our 36 years of marriage.
Thinking it would be fun to ask the children what they thought their mom guessed as my planned gift to my grandchild, I asked them.
One answered, “Dad, your Mama Mary” pin.
Upon hearing that guess, I asked myself, “Why not?” It was very precious to me. However, I would want to give that special pin with the image of Mama Mary to the child who would want to wear it religiously. It has been my constant reminder that I am loved by her, and that she has been so faithful in being my “bridge,” my way, to her son, Jesus. It is a sign that I am a Catholic, and I would want to discuss my faith with anyone who asks me about it. I have been proudly wearing that pin or a similar pin for the past 15 to 20 years. It is precious to me.
So what did I plan to leave my grandson?
My first pair of boxing gloves!
My Dearest Conrad,
You are only 3 years old. How would your tiny hands fit into a 10 oz. well-worn red and white leather boxing gloves that I first used when I was 59 ‘til they became so soft that I decided to get a new pair?
Besides, would you even want boxing as your sport?
Will your parents even allow you to?
Well, I am giving them to you for several reasons:
1. As your Mima (grandma Angie) knows, and thus guessed right, it is my prized possession. I have used it daily for many years.
2. I am proud of it, as it is a symbol of courage, persistence and perseverance.
Why courage? In November of 2012, I watched some young boxers train in Burnham. I said to myself, “If they can do it, why can’t I.” “I may be old, but I can learn.” “I may not be as good as them, but I can try my best.” “I could get hurt, but I can do my best to protect myself.” (So I bought myself some protective gear for sparring, and always wear them... except for a few sparring sessions when I forget to wear my mouthgard... In spite of the gear, I do get hurt many times)
Why persistence? Because I have been boxing everyday since the day I started, weather permitting, and whenever I am not out of town. I have sparred with over 60 to 80 different boxers, and have videos for over 400 rounds. (Not all are recorded) Boxing takes priority over work, after daily morning prayers, of course.
Why perseverance? Because it is hard to keep pace with the speed and power that the younger boxers, amateur and professional, current and retired, have. They also have the stamina that I don’t have. But that is what perseverance is all about – overcoming challenges! As the oldest player in the group, they look up to me for inspiration. “ If Mike can, why can’t they?”
3. Boxing is a mean sport but it teaches one discipline, and forces one to be both aggressive and defensive. One has to be mentally sharp and be physically fit to sustain the rigors of the sport. It is one thing to watch a fight, and cheer or heckle, and another to be in the midst of “battle”.
Yes, Conrad, that first pair of gloves is my gift to you! May you treasure the thought and the reasons I am giving it to you! Stay fit and healthy. May it inspire you to be the best you can be, in all that you do, in whatever you do.
I love you!
1 Corinthians 16: 13 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.”