Celebrations: The Rituals of Family Life!
Posted: Tuesday, June 01, 2010
By: Administrator

It’s that time of the year once again.  Not just the holidays, but those close of the school year celebrations -- from recitals to end of year school parties to graduations.  Everybody is excited, and if not at least a little relieved that another school year has come to an end.   And we all say the same thing year after year: “Where did the time go, has it really been a whole year?”

This year is no exception.  We too are celebrating the graduation of our eldest daughter from UC Davis Veterinary School.   We had always hoped this for her, but the amazement that it actually is happening is very special.  

Family life is full of these rituals that give meaning, and at the same time, provide us the opportunity to make memories and cement a foundation of love and security for the children.  It tell them that they are important and that we value family events -- and how special is to be part of the universe at large.   

Here are some tips to make these milestones even more special:

1. As much as kids hate it when mom takes their pictures (at least mine do), go right ahead and take as many photographs as possible.  With all our fancy technology this is easier than ever and as parents we love capturing these memorable moments, big or small.
2. Always include everyone, not just the celebrant.  Group pictures also provide a sense of community for the children to view later on in life.
3. Encourage the children to write thank you notes, or at least an e-mail with an attached photo to those who participated in their event in any way.
4. Don’t forget the refrigerator!  That imposing, all important place in the family household that will hold a special place for that special picture for the rest of the summer.

Make the memories more vivid by celebrating these rituals.  You children may not seem to care at this stage of their lives, but I guarantee that with time they will all look back and laugh until they cry as they remember their family life.

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My Mother’s Day Wish for you & for me! A message to our daughters.
Posted: Sunday, May 02, 2010
By: Administrator

As I’ve traveled across the country from San Diego to Washington, DC to Bakersfield and other places, I speak to mothers from all walks of life and from all cultural backgrounds, from the USA, the Philippines, Mexico,  and Puerto Rico.  It never ceases to amazing how very consistent and similar we all are as human beings.

The mothers and daughters that I meet are all trying so hard to get along – but of course, mostly the moms!  If our daughters only knew for sure how much we want what is best for them and how hard we are trying to help them along the way!  I find myself in the same position year after year, not only with the young girls who cross my path but also with my own daughters as they grow into young adults.  Our role as a mother never ceases.  If they only knew!

Here is the message I would like to share with all the daughters, including my own Cecily and Jocelyn –

We love you dearly and only want the best for your future lives…

We may not know what do all the time, or how best to say what we want to say, but give us some slack and we will get there.

Although you may not want to be with us all the time, we understand.

We promise to treat you with respect and only ask the same in return.  

We as mothers are proud of all the potential that is within you as your grow through the different stages of life.

Talk to me – I will try to listen better.

Be open to my comments – they are said within a framework of love.

Life is meant to be shared, enjoyed as we leave the world a better place for those to come.  

May you all have a wonderful Mother’s Day!

With heartfelt regards to all those amazing girls & their caring moms,

Dr. Chrystal de Freitas

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