Meatloaf for Breakfast

Having two loving parents to depend upon from childhood to adulthood is a blessing and one that must be preserved and shared. All children deserve to be aligned with loving parents that guide, protect and encourage their young to achieve. More directly, it is our responsibility as adults, to foster and promote the need to raise children within an intact family filled with core values that reflect respect for others. There is no greater reward for humanity than building up our youth under a flag of respect, pride, and desire to achieve. Living in a low-income Bronx Housing Projects with two parents and four siblings during the 60s and 70s provided a ripe haven for learning about people, willingness to sacrifice, and the importance of unwavering parental love. Our parents provided a secure foundation for us to embrace. We were eager to experience the life that surrounded us, and in the process developed important skills that helped us capably navigate challenges, seek opportunities and build solid careers. Any success that I have earned is a result of the tangible childhood learnings from my family, faith, education, mentors, friends and environment. I was fortunate to have parents and others around me to provide guidance, instruction, motivation and nurturing. These essential elements prepared and helped me build confidence and drive to achieve. Having a family unit with resident values anchored me and countless others with a raw desire to advance and become self-sufficient. I learned to avoid violence, reject racism, and framed every encounter with a spirit of respect for others. In many cases, children growing up in the absence of nuclear families are less inclined to learn similar values and many falter and fall victims to poverty, rejection, disarray and a cycle of dependence. As a community, we need to center our efforts on the ultimate value of having two parents committed to building strength in the children they lead. This cornerstone is the key to rebuilding trust and respect among all people. Having two dedicated parents is the solution to our growing societal woes. We can no longer become absorbed in the symptoms of parental avoidance; rather we can reverse such negative communal trends and energetically broadcast the obvious and favorable benefits of living within a stable family unit. Anyone who is responsible for directing the care of our young into adulthood has good reason to embrace the logic outlined in this guide. As guardians of the children we lead, we can bring forward the spiritual justice required to ensure our youth achieve. We are a community of shepherds accountable for the development and well-being of the young we serve. Modeling the way with integrity and relentless dedication will help build character and strength in the youth across America. We are all lucky to have a life to live. We can all choose to bring forward goodwill toward others. We can all seek unity through mentoring and leading our young. Parental unity coupled with faith will yield loving children capable of learning and delivering favorable outcomes independently. Make the choice for what is right. It Takes 2