Remembering Our Son and His Life - Joshua Davis

It has been about nine months since our son, Josh, passed away (www.joshuascottdavis.org), and there are many things we have learned about him and ourselves over that time. We have always been grateful for the wonderful life he shared with us and others, but if there is one thing I have learned (and continue to learn) is how small acts of kindness can really provide a healing balm days, months, and years after a difficult event occurs.

In other words, I have appreciated most have been the small cards, letters, and even heartfelt words from friends, family, and even complete strangers that have expressed how Joshua had an impact on their lives. Even something months and years later can provide great comfort.

I have also discovered that you often don't see the collateral or rippling effect of a person's life in real time. Rather, you sometimes discover that small acts of kindness and generosity of a person may have been the small rudder to have lifted somewhat up in their own difficult times of grief, sadness, and loneliness.

This perhaps is a selfish desire or yearning to know what Josh meant to others, but I hope that knowing such feelings, events, and his example can help me become a better father and friend to others. And for that, I thank him for being my son.

Randall

New Year's Resolutions

As parents, we sometimes beat ourselves up for perhaps what we could have done better in raising our kids. We sometimes blame ourselves for all of their challenges and problems. Of course, we need to take ownership over what we can control, but children tend to make many independent decisions on their own. As we enter this new year, perhaps we can be more forgiving of ourselves, and at the same time, try to make small meaningful goals that can help us become better people. I've created a video on this topic here:

http://www.esl-lab.com/seasons/newyear-video.htm

Building Better Relationships

All too often, we tend to gravitate to things that are most comfortable to us, which can limit our opportunities for growth. The same could be said of doing things with our kids. The other day, my son wanted to play soccer outside in the snow and sub-freezing temperatures, and we could only wear shorts, a t-shirt, and shoes. No gloves, no hats, no other protective gear. At first, I thought this was a little crazy, but life is all about making memories with those we love. Here is an activity I created based on this experience.

http://www.esl-lab.com/worldcupsoccer/soccer-video.htm

Enjoy. Randall

Wedding Anniversary

As our 25th wedding anniversary is approaching, I often reflect on wonder journey of life we have experienced together during this time. Of course, for some, 25 years is a very short time, while to others who have been married a few months, it might seem like a lifetime.

For me, it has been a wonderful ride, filled with great joys and some special trials along the way. However, in each passing day, I express my gratitude for a wonderful family and wife who have allowed me to be apart of this experience, and remind myself to take for the ones I love.

I also remind myself what I DON'T want to do, and I created some humorous listening activities on my Web site, Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab (www.esl-lab.com) about this. Just enjoy the ride and seize every moment to be kind.

Wedding Anniversary
- http://esl-lab.com/anniversary/anniversaryrd1.htm

Flower Shop
- http://esl-lab.com/flowershop/flowershoprd1.htm

The True Meaning of Christmas

With the Christmas season approaching, I want to share this listening activity on my language-learning Web site that reflects the goodness in people as they think of others. The story isn't based on real events, but its message can be a reminder to show kindness to others, especially those who are suffering:

http://www.esl-lab.com/gift/giftrd1.htm

Over the years, I have tried to emphasize to my children how Christmas can be season of giving: giving of oneself, your time, your talents, and your encouragement to those who most need it. You can't buy happiness, but you can certainly cheer up a downtrodden soul.

Even a simple smile can go a very long way to making someone's day.

Randall