Mr. Wendel (circa 1992)

First let me say, I have great pride that some of my childrens favorite music or movies are from the 80's and early 90's...they know all the artists and songs and actors. 

Next... let me say why I started this blog today.  I was riding in the car with my 13 year old daughter on the way home tonight when my ipod started playing Mr. Wendel.  This is a song I love but forgot I had.  I wonder how many people actually "hear" or "listen" to the lyrics when they hear this song.  I wonder how many people remember this song.  I know my son was first affected by this song when he was about 10 or 11 and he used it to write a review for english and he still talks about how this song changed him.  My daughter enlightened me to her thoughts on this song this evening and they both speak with such compassion for this "Mr. Wendel"     I think we can all stand to show a little more compassion these days.   It shouldn't be rare that children speak with such compassion but why do I find that it is?  Why is it that it is getting harder and harder for us to teach our children about the compassion needed in our lives?  Should we be teaching "Mr. Wendel" in our schools?  Should the parents be teaching "Mr. Wendel"?  

As I'm nearing my birthday this upcoming weekend I find that while I'm only turning 37 (which by most standards is young) I feel like I'm much much older in terms of ideas and classic theories.   I will admit that I think I'm more open minded about some ideas and I consider myself to be pretty liberal, however there are certain basics that we all as human beings should be equiped with.  Kindness, Compassion, Respect... are just a few.   I ask myself everyday as I interact with my children, am I teaching them the right way? Is there a right way?  I wake up everyday intending to be the best person I can be and love everyone as I want to be loved...am I successful?  How do I teach my kids to be the same.... well I geuss "Mr. Wendel" is a start and I love when we can learn and dance at the same time, who doesn't!

If you have some time and you never really "heard" Mr. Wendel... here are the lyrics to this awesome song:  http://www.lyricsdepot.com/arrested-development/mr-wendal.html