Hi Max!Started a strand on Facebook today and my answer to my own question surprised me a little bit. Surprised me and compelled me to post this here:
The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals (Michael)
"For you parents, if you had an hour with your child and you weren't sure if you'd ever see them again, what would your advice to them be? What would you say? Write it in the comments below and then you know what I'm going to ask you to do right? Share it with them - if they aren't available, e-mail them, write them, or blog it to them. It's time it was said. Share. Your. Wisdom. +m2"
10 hours ago · Like ·
3 people like this.
The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals "Max, this is dad. First, I love you. I love you more than anything in the world and when I see you, hug you, and high-five you, the entire world melts right away. You mean everything to me. My job has been to send you off to the world a loving, caring, helpful, and productive person and it is so beautiful to see that happen. I'm so proud of you. I'll always be there for you - watching over you, cheering you on, and sometimes prodding you along. My words today are: read the Bible. That's my bit of advice. Within its contents you will learn about love, people, trust, right, and wrong. If I could have written a guidebook, this would be it - and its written by a far better author than me. Follow its lessons and live its intentions. You will be fine. You are the best. You are the greatest. Love you, Dad. +m2"
10 hours ago · Like · 3 people
The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals Truthfully, my answer surprised me a little as well. It just came out of my fingers as I was typing. I was like, "that would be my advice?" and I was compelled to share it even though I knew it would probably make some cringe, others gripe, and others unlike this page. That's okay. I am very open to people - I do not judge. I enjoy my Jewish, Arab, Chinese, Japanese, and Indian friends and have gotten lots of great ideas from our conversations. What I gave was my advice to my child. Your answer may, and very likely will, be different. It is what it is. I am what I am. I'd love to see you share what you would tell them. Of course, I'd love even more to see you share WITH THEM what you would tell them. Sorry such a long strand today... but I was compelled to share. +m2
10 hours ago · Like · 2 people
Jay Pierce Wow, can I just copy what you wrote and say the same to my son? That was awesome!
9 hours ago · Like · 1 person
The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals Absolutely Jay - tweak it to your taste. Thank you! +m2
9 hours ago · Like
Andrea Boeh-Sheridan All the lyrics from "I hope you dance". Ava Grace, you will always be my greatest joy.
9 hours ago · Unlike · 1 person
The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV-Z1YwaOiw <-- for those who want to see what Andrea is talking about - love it! +m2
9 hours ago · Like
Jennifer Goodfriend-Irvin I need to do this, blog, or write to my children. It is heavy on my heart right now, thanks for the "push" to share with them. Lately my Oldest daughter, who is 12 has been on my mind. Boys, and school, and attitude and fashion, braces, clothes, are all sooo important right now. I want to share with her that although the people she is "friends" with right now may make comments to her about acne, or her clothes, or who they are hanging out with, THESE "friends" dont defy you. Sure I have middle school friends I still talk to, but they aren't my best friends, or my confidants. These years are so hard for that age. I have told her this of course, but the ADVICE part is hard! They believe nothing we say is right, you know, cause I am just MOM! But a nice little letter to her will be nice. Life is hard, and if you can get thru the " Nay sayers".. you will succeed and you will be fine! :)
7 hours ago · Like
The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals Love it Jennifer. The positive about writing it is that we can edit and make the wording "just right". Plus, they can read it over and over again and know that we love them. +m2
7 hours ago · Like
Michelle Florand Schwartz K & S: I love you. Make good choices, practice good hygiene and keep your kitchen clean. Always be honest with yourself and others, and if it is grey..stay away, because things are usually black and white. Be true to yourself and always be a person who gives and who is also able to receive. (They hear this from me on at least a weekly basis...and tell me the same things back.) Mom smiling!
4 hours ago · Like
The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals Love it! Do you mind if I share that with Max? +m2
3 hours ago · Like · 1 person
Michelle Florand Schwartz not at all. My kids are 22 and 18. They are pretty cool young adults!
2 hours ago · Like
Justin Nielsen This is extremely timely for me. My Father passed away unexpectedly Wednesday. I know a lot about his life, but for years I have asked him to write it down. Too late now and I have many questions. I love what you wrote Michael and passion will guide the pen if you let it. I have decided to write in a book about me. You can buy good ones that prompt thoughts and ask questions.
21 minutes ago · Like
The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals Sorry for your loss Justin. As someone who has lost a father, I understand but could never feel how you feel. Best wishes and prayers to you and your family. +m2
2 minutes ago · Like
Hope you enjoyed this conversation as much as I did. It was thought-provoking and interesting to me.
With Love and To Your Success,
Max's Dad (Michael)
