By the Grace of G‑d
4 Shevat 5725
[January 7, 1965]
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Greeting and Blessing!
. . . the Torah likens a human being to a tree. Thereby the Torah teaches us an important lesson, particularly in the field of child education.
When the tree is young, especially when it is still in the stage of a seedling, every good care given it in that early stage, however insignificant it may seem, is an investment which in due course amplifies itself many times, and the full effects become evident in the mature, fruit-bearing tree.
Likewise is the minute attention given to a child, even where the benefit for the moment appears to be quite small, so much so that one may wonder if it is worth the effort. For even a “small” benefit may in time turn out to be of a lasting quality and extraordinary proportions, reaching into the daily conduct according to the Torah and Mitzvoth; and as our Sages of blessed memory expressed it: “What are real fruits?—the Mitzvoth.” Therefore every effort is justified in the field of Chinuch, for what is at stake is the whole future of the student and his life-long benefit.
(Excerpt from a letter)
you are not alone. there are many parents who would like to be better. it takes lots of effort and time...as well as inner inrospection, to be the full person you want to be yourself, let alone the parent you would like to become. but we have to believe that its possible, somehow. even if we feel like we "messed up" it's never too late to fix...though sometimes it may feel impossible...there is a place inside each of us, that really can help bring about big changes, though sometimes through little actions...like a tree...evey day it must have sunlight, every day it must have water...sometimes even a small change of action on our part, with the help of hashem, can make a big difference to the other person... a little bit more attention and time...can make a big difference. it doesnt have to be a lot...like the rebbe said here. one kind word..one moment of really appreciating the other...these are huge!
im speaking to myself as well...