As 2009 comes to a close it gives me time to reflect on the year. I find myself in a new position in the pecking order, sadly due to Lyn's passing away, I find myself as the eldest of the siblings of Eileen and Clif Laverty's children; a position I don't take lightly. So I share some thoughts. And hopefully set the speed of the pack (I envision galloping horses).
This past year we as a family enjoyed a wonderful family reunion. Unfortunately due to several reasons not everyone could attend; they were missed. As I look over the group those who held on to the Laverty name and those through marriage have the Laverty DNA but not the last name, I see a diverse group of family, direct and extended. We all enjoy different talents, faiths, abilities, and so on. With this in mind I would like to share what we owe the Laverty name. Now this is my opinion, that I share. Agree or not these thoughts are mine and I wanted to share them with you.
First I must say, I am a Christian and a sinner. I don't always get it write, but I have grown over the years from a rebellious teenager to a responsible loving Husband and father, and a work in progress.
The Laverty name has always represented one of loyalty and solidarity, discipline, truth and character. When one is in trouble we are helpers and encourager's. We come to the aid of each other as we can.
We are not abusive to our wives, husbands and children. I more and more try to look to Ephesians 5 in the Bible. In the letter to the Ephesians Paul tells us, and I paraphrase, Wives submit to your husbands and husbands love your wives a Christ loves His Church. What a system of checks and balances that is. Pam and I always try to practise that. This eliminates a lot of needless hurt. I do admit I don't always s get it right. Husbands you are the head of the household, but remember what the Good Book teaches. If you forget pick up a bible and read it some time, you might learn something.
The L:averty's are nurturers of our children. This means loving and yes disciplining them. Not letting them see or experience some of what life can be; wife beating, child abuse, cheating, infidelity and so on. I Have tried as Jamie's dad to live up to that. He will grade me some day and I pray I get and deserve an A.
The Laverty's have always displayed a good work ethic. Doing only the best of our ability. Always doing a job worthy of signing our name to it. Punctuality, dedication to the task at hand, and respect for authority, playing well with others at work and home. This is the Laverty way.
We have differing faiths. I choose Christianity because I believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ. As stated earlier I miss the mark often, but I am getting better with time. Most of you, especially my siblings, should recognise the up hill battle I have climbed and still clime. Each day being a new day and an opportunity to grow closer to God. And an opportunity to repent of my sins.
The Laverty's, we can be prideful, pig headed, petty and sometimes down right mean, but I submit if we follow the golden Rule, hold hands and take strolls in the evening and have cookies and milk at 3:00 we will be oh so much better than all that stuff.
I set the standard high and measure myself against it. I see my accomplishments and failings and promise to do better each day. As I approach the Senior citizen days, all much too quickly I might add, I see a world changing and a family growing and life as precious and time fleeting, but I end with God's love is as time is never ending and I bid each of you my love.
Jim Laverty
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