Actions>Words

In Manning's story, Brad and his dad were lucky to have an activity they both enjoyed and communicated through. This helped their relationship grow and flourish. The characters in both stories were trying to identify themselves with their parents and engage in an activity that they were able to communicate their relationship through. Not all languages are of words. A language can be spoken through actions/activities, such as with arm wrestling. Arm wrestling was an activity that both the father and son communicated through. Love doesn't always have to be expressed in words, cards or letters, it's what you do for the other person that shows you really love them. One can tell someone they love them all the time, but if they aren't willing to spend time with them or support them, those words of love are empty and are just a superficial gesture. Even though Manning's father didn't tell him he loved him verbally, he spent time helping him excel and supporting him in physical activities he himself enjoyed as well.

When I was younger, my dad taught me how to play the Harmonium (Indian instrument) and sing the hymns that go along with it. He was one of the few parents in the class (at Temple) that really took interest in my abilities and wanted to see me succeed. He is the reason for much of my success today, not just in Harmonium/singing, but in general. Whenever I need advice or have to stay up late finishing something, he is always there to help me get through it. My parents are always so encouraging and willing to sacrifice things they may want to see me excel and reach my dreams. Thinking about it, my parents act largely in accordance to our [my brother and I] necessities. For example, the main reason we even moved to Troy was due to the fact that my parents want us to have a bright future and in order to do so,  wanted us to attend some of the best schools in the state. Both my parents rarely compare me with anyone; they want me to be the best person I can potentially be. I truly admire that and I am only who I am today because of them. My parents always tell me they love me; but even if they didn't, I would know that they did because actions really do speak louder than words.