The Need For Roots

Roots

September 24, 2010

One of my favourite quotes that can be found in the footer section of this blog is:

"There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One is roots; the other, wings."--Hodding Carter

This quote has a profound meaning especially when it comes to genealogy but also parenting.  As parents it is our responsibility to give our children a firm foundation on which to build their lives.  However giving them roots means so much more than a value based foundation (eg. love, honour, respect).  It means nurturing good family relationships with extended family members so our children know their family history.  Too often people flounder as adults simply because they do not have a firm foundation based on values and family history.

It is interesting to look at tree roots.  They may be gnarly, intertwined and far from visually appealing.  In many cases you won't see them at all.  Yet the roots of a tree can extend a distance greater than three times the size of the tree's canopy.  It is the roots that nurture the tree while providing strength and support.  So it is with people...

Garden Gnome
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