As children grow - instill a sense of belonging, <br />A warm heart - love a close-knitted family brings, <br />Reverent words - a belief in the Supreme Maker, <br />Appreciation of nature and all beautiful things. <br /> <br />Tolerance and compassion whenever it's needed <br />To elevate their spirit and troubled heart, <br />These gifts you should give to your children, <br />The precious things you would like to impart. <br /> <br />No dreams shall be shattered, <br />No idealistic thoughts crushed to the ground, <br />Teach them about faith, hope and charity <br />With goodness their lives you'll surround. <br /> <br />You'll tell them that living means loving, <br />That darkness is followed by the dawn. <br />Your positive efforts of rearing them <br />Shall guide them their entire life long.<br /><br />Joseph T. Renaldi<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/as-children-grow/
