A Father’s Influence
We LOVE daddies! And we have more than our share of the very best ones!
John and his youngest daughter Daniela have made St. James tea a tradition; it’s their special time together. When they come, they bring carefully selected poetry to read during tea. In the beginning, this father specifically sought out the Tearoom because he was interested in a place where he could spend time with his daughter and culturally train her. Now, it is their established and delightful tradition.
He truly enjoys the memories it has granted them and the opportunity to share his daughter’s hopes and struggles as she grows. He uses the whole experience of civility at the Tearoom and intentionally trains her in critical thinking by the use of literary criticism; they read poetry together and discuss it as they enjoy their afternoon tea.
John is the Director of IT at the Santa Fe Opera, and Daniela is interested in math and engineering. She wants to grow up to be an engineer. John wants her to find her niche and be able to do what she loves but is determined that she be well rounded, too. He believes the cultural training and critical thinking skills Daniela is developing will help her to approach problems more creatively. Reading poetry and asking, “What does it mean when it says…?” and thinking out loud together about such things not only teaches critical thinking, it also exposes Daniela to higher and broader concepts of life. John is deliberate, intentional, and strategic. Lucky Daniela!
What a wonderful daddy! Imagine the inner assurance and quiet confidence every little girl or boy would possess if they could grow up with the experience of such intentional love. What better investment could a daddy make? Think of the Possibilities for Flourishing fathers may instill. Imagine the Memories fathers may store up for their children, ready to be called up in some future bleak or troubling moment. Talk about Stability, talk about Influence in this world!
Daniela says she loves reading poetry with her dad, but she loves being with him the most. Tea is her special time with her father. She reports their favorite poem is Shakespeare’s Sonnet #71. Below is an excerpt.
Nay, if you read this line, remember not
The hand that writ it; for I love you so
That I in your sweet thoughts would be forgot
If thinking on me then should make you woe.
Here is to all our wonderful fathers! May your Influence continue and increase in our world.
Yours for the return of Grace, Civility, Beauty, Gentility, and Excellence,
Mary Alice
