Earlier this week was Respect for Parents Day. Cal Ripken, Sr. was a pioneer for his way of teaching not just the basics of baseball, but also the basics of life. He gave his sons, Cal, Jr. and Bill, and his players someone to look up to, someone to go to in a time of need, and someone to be a friend. Here at the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation we recognize all of the parents, mentors, coaches, law enforcement, teachers and more that serve as parental-figures to youth across the country. We thank YOU for all of your hard work and dedication to impact the youth in your life and community. Just because we celebrate ‘Respect for Parents Day’, does not mean that you, as a mentor, do not deserve that same respect for being there day in and day out for our youth. Children should show gratitude towards the adults in their lives helping them to learn and grow. We challenge you to have your youth show appreciation for the adults in their lives. Whether it is their mom, their dad, a coach, a police officer, a sibling, just show some appreciation to any adult that has a positive impact on them. They could write a thank you letter, give them a hug, draw a picture, sing a song, or whatever means most to them to show their respect and admiration. How have you seen youth show gratitude for the adults in their lives?
