Most parents are presented with ample opportunities to help educate their children during the developmental years. It, hopefully, starts early and never ends. It may simply take on a slightly different complexion, as we all age. My parents were no exception when it came to this learning forum.
Caspar Milquetoast was a comic strip character created by H.T. Webster in 1924. His persona left him spineless, unassertive, and easily intimidated. This was not what my mother had in mind for her children. She repeatedly exercised her parental obligation to provide us with the foundational tools my siblings and I have used to become successful adults. Caspar Milquetoast frequently surfaced as an example of the kind of individual my mother didn't want us to become. Her intentions were to instill self confidence, self reliance, and self respect, unlike the wimpy dude in the comics she so often referenced. I can hear the echoes in my head right now, "I don't want any of you kids to become Caspar Milquetoasts." Naturally, until we knew him "personally", we'd ask her, "Who is Caspar Milquetoast?" We initially had him confused with Casper but of the ghost variety from cartoons.
Where did those educational moments get us? I suppose you'd have to poll my siblings to get their impressions, but one thing is for sure, I will never forget the infamous, Caspar Milquetoast. His personal inadequacies inspired a whole cast of characters whose achievements continue to be "published", even today. With that, I'll see you in the funny papers!
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