Reconciling the election with my family's values

I can't help but feel as though I have thoroughly misled my children.

Growing up, their mother and I taught them what we considered simple life lessons that would equip them for the world they would some day inherit.

• Share. 
• Don't lie.
• Wait your turn.
• Be kind to others. 
• Don't talk about people behind their backs.
• Skin color doesn't matter. We're all people.
• Nationality doesn't matter. We're all people.
• Sexuality doesn't matter. We're all people.
• Religion doesn't matter. We're all people. 
• Don't look down on anyone different than us. It's what's in their hearts that matters.
• Don't pay attention to others who look down on us for not being wealthy. We're rich in ways they could never understand. 

We raised good girls -- good human beings. Their mother and I are proud of who they are. They are the best of us.

Unfortunately, they learned on Tuesday that the wisdom we imparted on them will not equip them for the world that they are about to inherit. The man we've elected president is the polar opposite of what we said is "right." Everything we told them not to be and not to do was just held high as the example of what "leadership" is.

My oldest daughter -- or "the Big One," as my former WLVL listeners know her -- watched election returns with me Tuesday night. We stayed up until Hillary Clinton called Donald Trump to concede the election. She was a Sanders supporter originally but supported Clinton over Trump -- for all the reasons I've listed above. She was heartbroken by the results of the election. And I've been trying to think for two days what exactly to say to her ... and her sister. From my point of view, the country they live in just told them that their ideals are wrong, being a good person doesn't matter, and using the wrong email is worse than using inflammatory language ... especially if you're a woman.

Personally, I'm used to being in the minority. I didn't vote for Clinton or Trump. So I'm not exactly heartbroken that Clinton didn't win. But I'm devastated to see that racism and misogyny is "OK" with America in 2016. Especially because of the message that it sends to my daughters.

But I would be remiss if I didn't remember another tidbit of wisdom that we imparted on the girls.

• Do the right thing because it's the right thing. 

Just because our opinion of what's right wasn't validated by millions of strangers doesn't make it any less right. Just because others don't share doesn't mean we shouldn't. Just because others don't wait doesn't mean we shouldn't. Just because others lie, doesn't mean we should. Just because others aren't kind doesn't mean we shouldn't be. Just because others gossip doesn't make it OK. Just because others are cruel and superficial doesn't make it OK. In short, the bad behavior of others doesn't mean we should behave badly.

To my daughters, I'm sorry America failed you. I hope you'll continue to be the incredible people you've been for years ... even if the only reward for your virtues is in the knowing that you are virtuous.

I expect you to respect our new president. And I expect you to be respectful of his supporters ... even if they aren't respectful of you or the things you believe in. And I know you'll do this because you're good girls -- good human beings. And if you get no other reward for your kindness, you'll always have my love.

+Scott Leffler is a father before all else. And a proud one, at that. Follow him on Twitter @scottleffler.

This column was originally published on All WNY News.

Enjoy fall foliage at Griffis Sculpture Park

 

EAST OTTO -- Western New York has four beautiful seasons, each capable of creating dazzling displays of photo-worthy color and texture -- but the vibrant reds and oranges of the changing leaves in the fall might be best of all.

While much of Western New York has yet to hit peak season for fall foliage, Cattaraugus County is at its peak right now, according to the ILoveNY.com fall foliage report. And let me tell you, having spent the weekend down there, it's a must-see.

From the serenity at Griffis Sculpture Park in Ashford Hollow to the bustling streets of Ellicottville, it's a good time to get out of the city and enjoy what's available just a bit south of the Buffalo metro center.

For those unfamiliar with the Griffis Sculpture Park, it's 450 acres of rolling parkland with some very ... unique ... sculptures, many of which were created by the park's namesake, Larry Griffis Jr.

I had the privilege of going there once or twice in my youth while the family camped at what was then Rainbow Lake (now Allegany Mountain Resort at Rainbow Lake). I've popped down every few years since then and finally made it this past weekend (after two failed attempts this year).

It seems bigger than I remember. I'm told there's good reason for that. A representative for the sculpture park told me that it has grown "exponentially" and that many sculptures have been added within the last 10-15 years. Additionally, the park has taken to offering different events, hosting SlyFest in 2012 and 2015, as well as other festivals and "Night Lights" the past few years.

Of the 250 sculptures located throughout the park, approximately 100 of them were created by Griffis Jr., who opened the park in 1966 as the first park of its kind in the U.S. The rest were created by as many as 100 other sculptors including several that were added by an international sculpture symposium.

The Griffis Sculpture Park is open from dawn to dusk from May 1 to Oct. 31.

RELATED: Photo gallery of Griffis Sculpture Park and East Otto

+Scott Leffler is editor of All WNY News and an avid lover of the arts. Follow him on Twitter @scottleffler. 

This column was originally published on All WNY News.