My Letter to Johnny

Dear Johnny,

I want you to approach life with the same sense of awe and wonder at the age of 15, or 30 or 40 or 50, or even 100, as in these first few, formative years. Study the world with an open mind and an observant eye, for every day is a new day full of wonderful & exciting experiences.

I want you to learn at least one new thing everyday.  You may find this to be a cliche, but I believe that an inquisitive mind keeps you on your toes and will bring both joy & knowledge into your life.  It will also make you a more interesting person.

I want you to be tough... to be "macho"... to grow into a man. But always remember that part of being tough is having the courage to let your true emotions show. There is no shame in shedding some tears, don't ever let anyone tell you differently.

I want you to live your life without regrets. But not like one of these self-centered, mindless, MTV- generation narcisists who parrots, "I have no regrets", even after they've committed some shameful, reprehensible, debasing act of debauchery that they absolutely should regret. No, I want you to live life without regrets because you do not make regrettable decisions and you understand that all choices have consequences. 

I want you to understand the distinction between right and easy. You will be faced with decisions repeatedly throughout your life where one choice is the right thing to do, while the other choice is the easy thing to do. I want you to have the confidence & strength of will to choose well, for it is these choices that define who we are.  Please know that you can always come to me for guidance as you struggle with these decisions.

I want you to be happy in life.  I want you to have success in the things that bring you happiness.  And I want you to recognize that true happiness is born of meaningful things.  Things like faith, family, friends, security, love.

I want you to know that I am your father and you are my son... nothing can or will ever change that fact. There may be times in your life when we do not "like" each other very much, but please know that I will always "love" you and I will always be here for you.

I want you to know that you are my pride, you are my joy.  My son.

Love Always,

Your Father