Wishes for the children

On Christmas week, we pray for love, grace, forgiveness, hope, protection and world peace.

- MARIA VICTORIA RUFINO

As we count our blessings and challenges, we release negative and confusing thoughts.We are at the crossroads, between the distant past, the memories of a golden age, the roller coaster present and the dim, hazy future.

There is too much uncertainty, skepticism, anxiety, angst and rage at the recent upheavals - in our country and the world.

The children are our future citizens, and they deserve a better quality of life. These are my wishes for them.

1. A home with loving, responsible parents who teach, guide and care for them. That all parents and will lead by example and teach the children the important spiritual and family values, heritage and tradition, good manners, considerateness, compassion and kindness.

2. That children will appreciate, respect and be grateful to their parents and grandparents, that they learn about the value of family and traditions, and do not become contaminated by the materialism of others schoolmates, friends and social media.

3. That all children be safe from domestic violence, abuse, bullying, corruption, predators and the dangerous effects of the internet.