patrick elder

Good morning folks. Sitting here at Starbucks as is my usual routine for the day (I work here pretty much all day). I recently stumbled upon what’s called “The Way I See It” on Starbuck’s website. Cool stuff. Quotes and just stuff that sparks conversation (in the coffee house environment for them). Some are good, some make no sense to me.

Today, I bring you 273

All children need a laptop. Not a computer, but a human laptop. Moms, Dads, Grannies and Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles – someone to hold them, read to them, teach them. Loved ones who will embrace them and pass on the experience, rituals and knowledge of a hundred previous generations. Loved ones who will pass to the next generation their expectations of them, their hopes, and their dreams. - General Colon Powell

My Response

I find this to be somewhat of a shocking quote being that it’s from a war driven individual. Don’t get me wrong, I fully support the guy and admire him. It’s good to see the individuals influencing our nation’s defense, or have in the past, share a goal I think we all have in common. To educate and love our children, or in my [current] case, our familia’s children.

[shout out to grace (she’s my niece)]

I hope to be a father someday (and more than likely will be), and as I get older and wiser (yea, I said it) I find myself making more and more life decisions not for myself, but for my future (cause, kids will be in there). Who do I vote for in the race for presidency? Do I really need that purchase? I can get a job anywhere with better pay, should I stay with my current company? Simple questions I think all adults ask themselves. I’m not, however, doing this intentionally. I really hadn’t thought about it until I read this quote. Is it a natural response that’s built into all of us? I think so.

In a society that’s overwhelmed with advancing technology I think we’re caught up in the concept of “I’m going to get my kid a - Computer / iPod / Xbox (I love you xbox) / TV - so he/she has something to do so I can … ‘fill in the blank’”. That’s such a sad truth. I’ll give in that parents do need time for themselves, but come on peeps…

Nothing can take the place of human interaction, especially when it comes to children. Now I quote one of the most overused cliche’s, “Our kids are the future”. Quality human interaction!That wraps up my rant on today’s “The Way I See It”.