I’ve been thinking about Pride. Not a pride of lions, or “Pride and Prejudice,” or gay pride, or Pride Dog Food. I mean the kind that a child wants from a parent. The “I am proud of you” kind.

This desire for the approbation of a parent (or other close relative) is not optional. It’s standard equipment, built into the baby at birth. Something mighty bad must have happened to a kid to truly not care about her parents’ approval.

Only recently have I discovered that pride is a two-way street. I want the approval of the young, too. Yep. Geezers need to be told they are worth the air they breathe.

Here’s an example of what I mean:

My niece is a writer, too. In her eyes, how old and irrelevant I must seem. How opinionated, how out of touch. “Poor old Aunt Linda,” my niece must whisper behind my back. “Poor old crazy Aunt Linda. Maybe we’ll make room in the attic for her one day.”

Turns out that isn’t what she thinks at all. She read my most recent manuscript and she wrote: “I am here to tell you that you did a really, really, really great job. I admire you so much for doing the hard work to mine this creative well of yours.”

Whoa! That slammed into my heart like an arrow striking the bull’s-eye. I didn’t even realize how much her approval mattered. Until this. This is the brass ring. She is PROUD of me.

Pride. From the old to the young, or the young to the old. Or one spouse to another. Or a sister to a brother. Everyone wants the approval of the people who matter. No words are too sappy especially at this time of year.

Nobody can see what you are thinking. Don’t assume they know. If you have a worthy thought, let it tumble right out of your pie hole. I can tell you what nana or grandpa would like for Christmas, and it is not another purse or tie. It is an expression that you value them. If you do, say it or write it or sing it to that person who watched you grow, lived through your messings, and loves you anyway.

Blessings and gratitude to you all this holiday. I am immeasurably proud to be read by you.

Linda B. Myers is a founding member of Olympic Peninsula Authors and author of seven novels including the PI Bear Jacobs mystery series. All are available at amazon.com. Contact her at myerslindab@gmail.com or Facebook.com/lindabmyers.author.