If I Could Give You Anything 545.3
It’s a tradition during a bat or bar mitzvah ceremony for parents to deliver specific blessings to their child. I wrote another poem for the occasion and though I couldn’t read it then without a few sobs, I want to share it with you in the hope you will find some use for it.
If I Could Give You Anything
If I could give you anything, anything at all,
I would give you all the things the poets write about – deep blue skies, pure white clouds, warm sunshine, cool breezes, stunning sunsets, glorious rainbows, and grand waterfalls.
I would give you something to smile about every day.
I would surround you with true friends to share your joys, comfort you through tough times, and bring out the best in you.
I would give you great teachers to fill your mind with wondrous facts, unanswered questions, and a love for learning.
I would give you the wisdom to know your heart and the courage to follow it.
I would fill your days with carefree play and meaningful work.
I would give you challenges worthy of your talents and achievements worthy of your pride.
I would fill your heart with gratitude and teach it to forgive.
I would give you genuine self-confidence, fearless enthusiasm, and grand expectations.
I would give you a life filled with hugs, laughter, love, and the wisdom to be happy.
And when you are ready, I would give you a man worthy to be your lifelong partner and the father of your children.
And I would give you a daughter as good as you.
Sadly, I don’t have the power to give you all these things.
But I can remind you that you have the power within you to find, make, and keep all the things I wish for you.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Comments
This is by far your best writing of all. I wish I had written this to my daughter myself.
I usually don't express my fondness of famous people but I must say I have always been a fan of yours and you are the reason I listen to KNX.
Keep up the great work, wisdom , and reaching out to others. You never know who you will touch! I needed this for my daughter!
Posted by: Judi | December 19, 2007 7:52 PM
You have inspired me many days with your "Charachter Counts" sermons. I admit using these ideas when counseling my children and grandchildren. Your topics concerning ethics are particularly important in today's "no fault" environment. You keep us focused. Thank you.
Posted by: George Pamper | December 19, 2007 11:48 PM
The poem is a reminder of to me of three chapters in my life. The first is being a father. I have 2 boys ages 3 and 4 right now. giving them Fire trucks or Veggie tale movies is nothing compared to the "life lessons" you have mentioned. The second chapter of my life I was reminded of is the football teams I have lead. The players under my direction are taught so much more than football. I hope they reflect and realize that tackling the decision to do the right thing in crucial moments in their life is far more important that tackling the running back who may be headed their way on the football field. The third phase of my life I was reminded of in this piece was my students in the classroom. I have young teenagers learning how to become healthier people and phrases like "love for learning" and "meaningful work" is what I hope the students in my class are experiencing. Thank you once again for using your gift to bless the rest of us. -Todd Hagemeier
Posted by: Todd Hagemeier | December 21, 2007 3:34 AM
The Batmitzvah address you composed for your daughter is truly a rich blessing for her. May she grow up to fully actualize it - and give your family the joy you surely deserve.
Posted by: Selwyn | December 21, 2007 5:34 AM
Really inspired by both poems you included in todays newsletter. Sent them to each of my four sons. Had to fudge a little on the second one, since I just have sons. Hope you don't mind.
Posted by: Molly Mathis | December 21, 2007 8:41 AM
I heard this beautiful piece in the car a couple days ago with my 6-month-old daughter sitting next to me. It brought me to tears. Every word touched me to my soul. Thank you for such wonderful words.
Posted by: Kimberly | May 22, 2008 12:45 PM
Beautiful poem, BUT, this part: I would give you a man worthy to be your lifelong partner and the father of your children. In this day when so many of our youth are questioning their sexual orientation, this appears NOT to be inclusive of other possibilities. Why not just "give an indiviudal worthy to be your lifelong partner"? WHAT IF your daugher turns out not to be straight?
Posted by: Gail | May 23, 2008 6:02 AM
Good point, Gail. And what if a daughter does not, in this very overpopulated world, want children? She certainly doesn't "owe" her parents grandchildren, as many parents seem to want. And except in the very rare cases where a genital problem exists, any such sons should not be deprived of their foreskins. Isn't this sexual abuse?
Posted by: Andrew ronson | May 23, 2008 10:41 PM