To My Parents - Malcolm and Edna

I finally understand and appreciate the important role that you have played in my life. I guess part of the maturing process is realizing how the discipline and teaching at a young age shape and mould one’s future. Politeness, confidence, respect and love for God, others and myself are treasured gifts I developed primarily because of my upbringing. Each time I see this I thank God for a mother and father who had the foresight and love, and most of all the patience, to instill these ideals in me.

The more independent I become; and the further away I am from you; the more I stumble and forget to remember that guidance; the more I depend upon what you have taught me. The more thankful I am.

This doesn’t mean I know everything. There is so much more I still need to learn; and I don’t think that will ever end.

Instead of constantly receiving, I feel that I want to give something back, and that is the satisfaction of you knowing how successful all your efforts were. To make you proud is just as important as my own success.

I love you. ~ Stafford

The quality of everything we do: our physical actions, our verbal actions, and even our mental actions, depends on our motivation. That's why it's important for us to examine our motivation in our day to day life. If we cultivate respect for others and our motivation is sincere, if we develop a genuine concern for others’ well-being, then all our actions will be positive. - DL

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” -Colossians 4:5-6