Tower Summer 2022

particularly disproportionate; however, our parents
impart upon us as children their parenting skills which
we often deploy when we become parents ourselves.
The common saying “the apple doesn’t fall far from the
tree” can most often be correlated to our parenting skills
as we typically will practice parenting skills we learned
as children from our own parents. While there is change
and evolution in relationship and parenting skills,
Mrs. Maureen Kesselring and her son, Konnor
phrases: “If you can’t listen, you’ll have to feel.” At various
ages and stages of life, that phrase took on multiple
meanings. As a youngster, it might have been the warning
preceding a spanking. As we grew older, it became an
important mindful philosophical question that we carefully
listen and evaluate before acting or failing to act as
the outcome may come with intended or unintended
consequences. Listening is an important part of any
relationship, but particularly in marriage.
As we toasted Kailin and Ethan, we could not think of
anything more appropriate than to impart upon them the
lessons we learned from our mothers ‒ lessons that left
a life-long impact on us as children, young adults and as
parents. Our children are our life’s greatest work. Oddly
enough, when you consider the training, licenses, degrees
and certificates we often have to earn to carry out any
myriad of work experiences, there is no formal training
required to become a parent. On its surface, that seems
Dr. Kesselring and his daughter, Kailin
the fundamental premise remains our ability to impart
upon our children the ability to love and be loved while
building resiliency and coping skills in our children to
survive the demands of the world in which we live.
Maureen and I are grateful for our mothers and what
they imparted to us and to our children and I can only
wish that Kailin and Ethan will utilize those lessons as
they build their lives together.
THE TOWER | SUMMER 2022 5