Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart

Intergenerational Bonding

SUMMARY

Whenever and wherever I speak to

audiences around the land, I encourage

parents and grandparents to write a letter to

their children at graduation. It is a tradition at

Harding Academy. · Leave them a legacy -–

make them read it twice a year. Give them a

quiz on it; if they don't get at least 70% correct,

write them out of your Will (only kidding)!

I also apologize to young people on behalf

of busy parents. We haven't always been there

for our young people. It has frustrated them

and us. We have had to work so hard to pave

the way for a bright and promising future for the

next generation. We owe them that. We would

give our lives for our children. We are giving

our lives for our children. And guess what they

owe us? Just one thing -- their cheerful

cooperation.

Parents should not be taken for granted. It

is true that the Wright brothers invented the

airplane, but it was Mr. and Mrs. Wright who

invented Orville and Wilbur. I am always

encouraging young people to take mom and

dad in their arms and say,

"Mom and dad, I

love you; thank you for the start you have given

me."

And if young people will promise to do that,

I guarantee them that they will live long and