The summer when I was 11, my Uncle Tom carefully encouraged me to watch both political conventions. I didn’t know his party or his political leanings. He simply sat with me, watched, and asked my thoughts about the speeches delivered by the politicians in Chicago and Los Angeles. He made me think and shape those thoughts into words. He encouraged me to go beyond the character appeal of the candidates, to evaluate the meaning of their message, and to reach for understanding of how their leadership would protect our country. I’ve watched this year’s political conventions grateful for my uncle’s mentoring. He showed me pathways to understanding the dynamics of our American society. That was a valued gift.
