Where The Heart Is

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"Helps us learn how to build healthy family relationships by reading about other healthy families. It inspires as well as gives practical examples for building a positive family life." --Jack Canfield, Co-Author, Chicken Soup for the Soul "This wonderful collection of recollections about family is both moving and inspirational ... filled with positive role models, examples of effective parenting and true character building." --Marietta McCarthy, Coordinator, Title 1 Programs, Father Flanagan's Boys' Home - Boys Town, Nebraska

Excerpt:

"Choosing Who We Are"

by  Naomi Rhode

"Because you are our very cherished daughter, I made a special gift for you," my father told me during his presentation ceremony the night before I left home to go to camp for the first time. "I want you to accept this gift as a very special sign of our love. When you look at it, remember who you are."

Even though I was only 12, I knew that in our family "remembering who you are" meant we were children of wonderful people with great ancestors of deep spiritual faith.

After his speech of affirmation, my dad presented me with a piece of wood he carved and painted into the shape of an animal that resembled a penguin. He named the carving Goofus.

The next day I went to camp with Goofus in my suitcase as a reminder that I was a special person. Raised in an atmosphere of high trust and low fear, I was assured of my parents' confidence in me to make good choices.

While at camp I met a 14-year-old boy with whom I became so enraptured that I gave him Goofus. As an adult I don't understand that choice, but as a child it made perfect sense.

"Dad, I gave Goofus away to the boy I am going to marry," I proudly explained when I got home.

Dad's response was classic: "He must be a very special person."

Rather than degrading, disciplining, or reprimanding his 12-year-old daughter for thinking so little of his gift, he accepted my choice. Unfortunately, Dad died a year later, so he didn't live long enough to experience the reality of his statement. The boy's name was Jim Rhode, and seven years later I married him. We kept Goofus as a reminder of my dad's confidence in my ability to make the right choices.