VERY GOOD TRAIT

Dear Spike:

Your mother's been eagerly awaiting this day: The shaved ice guy has set up shop at the park for the summer.

We all walked down the street and purchased a medium "Blue Hawaiian" with cream, which we shared on the way back to our home.

On the way, she told me about an encounter she had with a woman at the library today.

"Your baby is beautiful," the woman said.

"I know," your mother replied.

Your mom tells me that the lady looked at her kind of funny, as though her answer, acknowledging the woman's observation, was somehow strange.

Perhaps it was. When we are complimented, our reaction is often one of humility — or even embarrassment.

Indeed, sometimes humility is a very good trait. But in a world where we're often told that we should love our neighbor as ourself, sometimes we forget that an important part of the equation is that we should love ourselves.

When someone tells you that you are beautiful, or smart, or talented, do not be afraid to say, "I know."

Love,
dad