It's like being a gym rat, but you're a theater rat, and then that becomes your fraternity house. That becomes your extended family.
Billy CrystalRead
My mum, Helen, was hilarious. She had a tremendous sense of humour and was a great singer and tap dancer. For many years, she was the voice of Minnie Mouse in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She would be in the float as it came along, singing whatever the Minnie Mouse song of the day was. She was a really big spirit in my life.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the importance of a mother's joyful spirit and her influence in one's life.
In this quote, Billy Crystal reminisces about his mother, Helen, showcasing her vibrant personality and talents. He emphasizes her humor, musical abilities, and her role as a beloved figure during the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, illustrating how her presence and spirit were a significant part of his life and identity. The quote serves as a tribute to the lasting impact a parent can have on their child's life through love, laughter, and cherished memories.
In practice
During a family gathering, I shared a funny memory about my mum that always makes us laugh.
It's like being a gym rat, but you're a theater rat, and then that becomes your fraternity house. That becomes your extended family.
I can't bear to think of life without Janice. I want to go first because I don't want to miss her, because that would be a pain far worse than any death.
You have to really respect what your kids are doing with their kids and how they're raising them. You can't push your way into areas where you shouldn't be saying anything. You have to always remember they're not your own kids. Play with them, love them, spoil them to death - then hand them back.
In high school, I was the class comedian as opposed to the class clown. The difference is the class clown is the guy who drops his pants at the football game, the class comedian is the guy who talked him into it.
One night, I wrote down all the things I was waiting to do with my little granddaughter, and it became a book, 'I Already Know I Love You.' It was one of those really lovely things in life.
I never missed a birthday. I never missed a school play. We carpooled. And the greatest compliment I can ever get is not about my career or performance or anything; it's when people say, 'You know, your girls are great.' That's the real thing for me.
One of the most important gifts a parent can give a child is the gift of accepting that child's uniqueness.
Your children live or die without you. No matter what we do, no matter how we agonize or obsess, we cannot choose for our children whether they live or die. It's a devastating realization, but liberating.
You are as much serving God in looking after your own children, & training them up in God’s fear, & minding the house, & making your household a church for God, as you would be if you had been called to lead an army to battle for the Lord of hosts.
Not only would I say that the family is important for the evangelization of the new world. The family is important, and it is necessary for the survival of humanity. Without the family, the cultural survival of the human race would be at risk. The family, whether we like it or not, is the foundation.
I have a tendency to coddle my sons because I want to keep them safe, but I also want them to be strong and independent and curious and bold, and I worry that my coddling is going to have exactly the opposite effect.
Mutual respect and mutual listening are the foundations of harmony within the family.
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