His eyes are dark pools, this child of mine. So black, it is impossible to see the pupils. They reflect everything.

Now, I see myself reflected in his eyes. I can document it, photograph it, retouch it and alter it until I get the image I want. But this won’t always be the case. As he grows, it is not the reflection of my face in his eyes I will be seeing. It is the reflection of my life in his that will begin to show.

Will he be respectful of others? Will he be funny? Will he be hardworking? Will he be loyal?

Raising children is an awesome responsibility. He will hear my words, watch my expressions, and learn from my actions. My prejudices will color his preconceptions of the world. He will learn from me what to treasure and who to value.

By the time he shows the characteristics I have taught him, it will be too late for me to change them. You can’t go back and touch up a life. A child that sees racism at home is likely to think that racism is acceptable. Children that see their parents lie learn that the truth is not important. Hatred breeds hatred.

But we all have choices. Our lives are not determined solely by our past. We can break the cycle of pain and give the next generation a brighter future. But to do this, we must be aware. It is not enough to teach our children right from wrong; we must be a n example. Actions speak louder than words. The way we live our lives will teach our children more than anything we tell them. Let this lesson be a conscious one.

I choose to teach him love. I choose to show him kindness. I choose to celebrate the beauty of the world.

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