07/04/2025
Our boys are young adults now but below is a letter I gave them separately when they turned 18. Sure it's personal but I share to hopefully inspire other fathers out there to remember what matters most, the men we are raising.
Dear Son,
I love you. There are some things my father taught me growing up that I have the honor of now passing down to you. Below is a list of life lessons he taught me mixed with other lessons my path has given me. Read them, think about them and use them to help guide you through your life…
• The golden rule “Treat others how you would want them to treat you” and your loved ones.
• Our actions will always speak louder than our words. We must be an example of what we say.
• Give. Give as much as you can. Give from your heart. Give without the need for recognition.
• Be Humble. Let others talk about your success, not you. People appreciate Humble. Being Humble will make it much easier to handle the ups and downs life will give you.
• Girls are special. Treat them with respect at all times. Open doors for them. Pull out the chair for them. Give them flowers just because. NEVER forget special occasions!
• No matter someone’s ethnicity, athletic abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, where they live, what they wear or what they look like, they are people. Treat them with respect.
• Surround yourself with people of integrity.
• Be a leader. Be an example. Always use your critical thinking skills to come to your own conclusions.
• You will come across many different attitudes in your life. Learn from them about the type of person you want to be and the type you don’t want to be. They all have a purpose.
• Find ways to make a difference in the lives of others. Lift them up. Help them believe in themselves and remember a thousand words of encouragement can be ruined by one belittling comment.
• Beware of your pride and ego. You must control them and not let them control you.
• Take charge, don’t wait for others to do things for you. Success is dependent on YOUR attitude, effort, creativeness, consistency, work ethic, perseverance/grit and trustworthiness.
• When you fail, and you will fail, don’t get bitter, find ways to get better.
• When problems occur, before blaming and making excuses, you must look in the mirror first. Evaluate your actions and choices with sincere honesty. Be accountable for your actions and decisions.
• When everything around you is chaotic, you must be able to keep a clear mind to make the right educated decisions. Practice this often. Breathe.
• Hate will take years off your life. It clouds our judgement and prevents us from seeing the whole picture. Beware of this powerful emotion.
• Protect your family and never be afraid to stick up for others. As much as we don't want to believe it, there IS evil in the world. Always be on your toes.
• Be fearless, be thoughtful, be kind, be passionate and be grateful everyday as tomorrow is NEVER promised.
• When you speak, speak with compassion AND brutal honesty. Sometimes it’s hard to do and difficult for others to hear but necessary for transparency and sincere relationships.
• Stay off your phone while driving. NEVER follow the car in front of you too close and always be aware of what others are doing around you.
• Your mother loves you more than you can imagine. Never fail to realize how much she has done, and does, for you and your brother and sister. When you are out on your own, make sure to be in touch with her often.
• The biggest test for you one day will be when your own child is born. It will test your mental toughness. It will test your relationship. It will force you to really grow up.
• Clean up after yourself, take care of yourself, eat right, make exercise a part of your life, do household chores and push your chair in.
• Never underestimate a firm handshake and eye contact.
• THE most important and toughest job you will have in life will be raising another human being. You will make mistakes but the most important part is learning from them so you can one day teach your own children from those lessons.
You are a blessing. I am excited for what lies ahead for you. Life is precious and we never know how long we have. Make the most of what it and enjoy every minute.
Son…I Love You.
Love, Dad
