When I was a teenager, my father told me that we should respect everyone, regardless of his or her occupation. The man who hauls away our garbage deserves our respect, because he is earning an honest living and he is performing a very necessary job. (Where would we be without him?!) I remember having that discussion with my father only two or three times, but obviously it made a big impression on me.

My father was a physician, but he was not impressed by his own status. (He also did not make "big bucks"; he was in the Navy, so he drew a salary.)

When my first son was small, I used to say I wouldn't be one of those mothers who hopes to be able to say, "my son, the doctor," or "my son, the lawyer." Don't get me wrong; I'd be very proud! But more important to me is that my children be happy with their jobs and that they do well at them. Of course, I also hope they make enough money to live a happy, comfortable lifestyle. I used to say that if my son chose to become an automobile mechanic, I'd be proud of him, so long as he was a good one and he was happy.

Well, my son surprised me one day. He said he was going to join the Army Reserves and train as an auto mechanic! I am very pleased that he is thinking of his future. I am confident that he has made a good choice.