Hitch Your Wagon to a Star

My last post reminds me of another piece of wisdom I learned about parenting from my father, and passed along to my kids. When I started tagging after Billy, it got my dad’s attention and he’d make comments about this not being a good choice.

But, I kept hanging with Billy. He was a year older and “cool.”

Finally, he took me aside. “Name three things Billy’s ever achieved.”

I couldn’t think of three. I couldn’t think of one.

“Then why would you listen to him? If he knew anything worth knowing, he’d be something.”

“But, he’s cool. And he lets me hang with him, even if I’m younger. And he does tell me things.”

“Yeah, and look at where it’s gotten you. Nothing but trouble. He lets you hang with him because it makes him feel like he’s worth something. And, he tells you to do those stupid things because misery loves company.”

I wasn’t quite getting it and he read that.

“Look, the adage is, “Hitch your wagon to a star,” not “Hitch your wagon to a sinker.” Hang with the kids who accomplish things and you’ll be a star. Hang with the sinkers and live in the muck.”

I got it.