John Adams was the 2nd President of the United States.  He also served multiple very long periods overseas doing the duties of his fledgling nation.  While he was away, he wrote to his wife often.  In a letter from 1780, while on assignment in France, Adams told his wife of all of the wonders of the city and then told her of the things he must do so that his children may live a better life than he.  It's solid advice for all of us today.