It’s hard to believe it’s been almost 30 years ago since I became a Godparent. For many years, I’d wanted to be a parent and seriously considered becoming a single parent. What stopped me from becoming a single parent is that I wanted to give my children, at the very least, the same jump off point I had – two exceptional parents. The idea of marrying just to have children would have been settling and I didn’t want to raise a child in that kind of environment. Marriage by no means guarantees a happy home for a child and I’m aware of that. I felt that not becoming a single parent was the best parental move I could make and I stand by that decision because it was the best decision for me!

Many people get lost because they don’t have children. I found joy in having children vicariously through my cousins and friends. My first cousin and her husband found a willing resource to become Godparent to their firstborn. I remember how excited my cousin Marcy and I were anticipating Alyssa’s birth and how many baby clothes I bought (“Stop!” my cousin finally said. “Don’t buy another thing!”). I also remember the concerns we had about all the things that might go wrong while she was carrying her, however our faith kicked in quickly, then we waited. And waited. And waited. Finally – there she was!

Little did I know how many lessons Alyssa would teach me just by being herself. I found many of the things I learned from her – listening to my intuition, keeping my word and enjoying the simple things in life – I’ve been able to apply to both my personal and my professional life. I’d also reflected on my own wonderful upbringing as I spent time with Alyssa. She is still taking me to school all these years later as she and her husband raise their young family and continue to pass on love and knowledge to them.

Isn’t pouring love and support into a tiny human being what makes a person a good parent? Isn’t this something we should be doing whether we are biological parents or not? Each of us has the opportunity to have a positive impact on the life of a child or young person if we would lift up and see the bigger picture. The children we invest in today are going to be the adults who are taking care of us and running things tomorrow. There is no way that I, type A personality that I am, is planning to leave my future up to chance!

For anyone who has loved and invested in the life of a child I invite you to take this journey down memory lane with me. I look forward to your feedback and have an idea many of the lessons Alyssa taught me will remind you of the many lessons you’ve learned from the children in your life.

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