THE FOOTNOTES

A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK 

We come into this world endowed  to one degree or another with  characteristics bestowed upon us by the combination of parental dna.

How we employ those gifts or impairments is in part up to us.  In a sense, we really are chips off the old block, but it is our decisions which determine whether we are to be carbon copies of our forbears or  users of  inherited abilities which equip us to advance family  standing and  raise   expectations for our offsprings.

Environmental conditions cannot be overcome in some situations – the the child  doesn’t have what it takes to rise above circumstances and

replicates the old block syndrome of non achievement, poor social adjustment and conflict with the system-a “what can you expect from him” classification.

Others utilize what they have inherited and rise above their beginnings becoming objects of admiration in our society and sometimes used as examples to be emulated .

  The block from which I descended had some good qualities from which I and my children have benefitted. Although denied education beyond grade 8, both parents were very bright, and I think their gift of intelligence is probably what saved me.  They had some cultural deficiencies, as well, and that part of the  Old mBlock  is what I had to overcome.  I suffered but in general succeede