When I look at my now-grown children and nine grandchildren, I feel a profound desire to leave them a strong legacy. My focus may shift with the seasons in life: There are times to prioritize relational, educational, financial, or even political concerns. Yet no matter the season, I have always endeavored to impart a vision for true success. That’s why I wrote “The Road to Restoring the Family: Leaving an Inheritance to our Children’s Children.”
Part memoir, part cultural commentary, the book tells the story of a young father growing in faith through his marriage, learning gratitude and resilience in the hard times, and learning to sacrifice in the short term to raise right-thinking, high-minded adults. By no means was this an easy road. In a world that smiles on materialism, apathetic parenting, and no-fault divorce, I had to learn what it truly means to prosper—emotionally, financially, and spiritually.
I now know that we can save our country by saving families. Stable marriages are paramount, built on the bedrock of mutual respect and communication. I have been blessed with a trustworthy wife who shaped and shared my goals while raising our sons and daughter. As Martin Luther noted 500 years ago, the vocation of rearing children is the greatest service to the world, both for today and for posterity.
“Restoring the Family” is also a humble guidebook for life from a businessman’s point of view. Building a life is largely about how you spend and how you invest; it’s about understanding history and preparing for the future. Time and again, I have found the ancient Proverbs of Solomon to be the keys to financial wisdom. Wise King Solomon still reminds us today that “lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” In addition to hard work and discipline, it’s imperative to find a mentor and guard your reputation. The path to success is the way of moderation. We must tread carefully to avoid the pitfalls of pride.
Finally, the book is a “citizens’ brief” from a patriot who loves his country. When I served in public office, in both the California Assembly and the state Senate, I could compromise my preferences but never my principles. It is far better to stand with courage in the minority than to live a life of neutrality. This holds true both inside and outside of politics: In our constitutional republic, every citizen must practice the art of statesmanship. Yes, this way of life can be difficult. Yes, it can be draining. But I truly believe that we find renewed strength through regular times of quiet reflection and prayer.
As I hold my newest granddaughter, I pray that she will grow into a woman of wisdom and prudence—a person of virtue who puts knowledge into action. I believe that we all share this dream for our children. That’s why I wrote this roadmap for anxious parents seeking answers. It’s a letter from one pilgrim to others who will come this way. May your path, as mine has been, be marked with many wonderful milestones of family, faith, and freedom.
