Assignment 19: Plastics - Charlie Grimes

The wisest advise I have ever received came from an impossibly unwise person: a 17-year old camp counselor in my cabin at Camp Seagull four years back or so. This counselor, Will, had a crazy personality, almost constantly upbeat, boisterous, and hilarious. But in an hour of "down time" after lunch one day, he told me and my cabinmates to "respect your parents." Taken at face value, its pretty simple advice; but Will accompanied this statement with some reflection on his own life that was rather sad, and it really penetrated my mind. Also, hearing this advice from someone who was only a few years my elder made it seem all the more important and real. I feel that when we receive advice from adults, it often times fails to really stick with us because we are unable to relate to them. Very few statements have really stuck in my mind like Will's, and I believe it has bettered my relationship with my parents, and allowed me to appreciate everything they have done for me. Of course, my relationship with my parents is not always perfect, but occasionally Will's commentary will pop back into my mind and change my perspective on how I should act towards my parents, and as a result, everyone in my life.