A Vision of Success

Because my sister is growing more and more mature and busy daily, she and I talk much less, so I enjoy our chats and discussions and cherish them to a much greater value.

Recently, we discussed our thoughts on why certain children are thought to be Mom or Dad's "favorite".

We looked back on many memories, discussing and loving them as they resurface to our conscious minds.

Both of us used to think Jacob was our father's "favorite" child, being so adept and prodigious in music, when in reality, it was just our father seeing Jacob excel in music.  Succeeding in our father's perspective. So he naturally encouraged him more often.

Our mother however, was more often disappointed in Jacob because of the time he spent on his music instead of his academics.

My mother's perspective of success is more intellectual than artsy.  Succeeding in academics was what she wanted to see and when she didn't, she got discouraged.

Another insight was brought to light as we talked more.

 Kristina used to think I was our mom's "favorite"!

Wow.  Eye opener for sure.  Literally!  My eyes bulged, I'm sure!  I had no idea!

It started to make sense, though.  I caught on to different things that my mom would have seen as successful faster than she did, so my mother went out of her way to spend more time with me because she liked to see my "success" (or her perspective of what "success" was).

 I get glimpses of the love our Heavenly Father has for all of his children when I see my parents' love for us, their children.  It's a never ending reserve of love for each and every single one of us. Judgment aside, pure love.  Something so perfect, it overwhelms me.  I feel tired and full of light after these experiences.

While the appreciation of success is not an equivalent to love, some people tend to see it that way.

With the heightened understanding of this, I can now make my parents aware of this and appreciate every piece of success my future children bring to the table.

I wish I had more time to write, but I am currently on a quest to make $20,000 before I leave for my mission. It will happen.

I love all of you, whoever you may be.

Your friend, brother, mentor and student,

Dallin Hughes