About three weeks ago I was introduced to an extremely beautiful woman. Her beauty seemed to radiate from inside her body, out to the surface of her skin. She wore a smile that never left her face the entire time that we visited together. From the very first moment I met this young woman I felt as if I had known her all my life. I called her the” Beautiful One.”

Last Friday I was again given a second opportunity to spend some time with this lady and her family. That was when I knew I had met an angel.

As a teacher, a mother, a grandmother, and a great grandmother I have had many opportunities to be part of the personal lives of countless families. I can say with certainty that this family has left an lasting impression on my life. The time I spent in their company is etched in my mind as a highlight that I will carry with me always.

There are three children and a husband in the Beautiful One' household. The children range in age from two to eight. They are well-mannered, loving and respectful.

During the course of the evening, these young children participated in all of the activities that took place inside the home. They assisted with meal preparation, they played with each other as most siblings would do, but never once did any child became out of control, or behave poorly. These were truly happy children. When the spotlight was focused on them they enjoyed the attention as any other child would, but they never lost sight of their manners or their behavior. 

We are living in a time when children are being brought up without the training and understanding of respect for adults. Too many children do not receive discipline coupled with love. They are in charge of their homes. Their parents held hostage by a fear of losing the love and acceptance of these children.

Not so in this home. This young woman made the decision to train and raise her children with love discipline; with respect for themselves, as well as for others. This young woman is not holding the school system responsible for the proper training of her children. She treats her role of motherhood equally as important as her role as a wife.

This experience really touched my heart. It makes me wish that every child in the world could have this kind of parenting. These are adults in training. They will be the leaders and decision makers for those of us who are now enjoying life as adults.

Are we proud to be an American, because we did all we could to produce a new generation of intelligent, caring, loving respectable people? It sure is something to think about.