Dear Samuel and Joseph,
This
is the only required summer reading I’m going to request of you. I wrote it in list format, so as to
make it as easy as possible. Here
is what I want you to know at 16 and 14 years old. Try and remember some of it. You will be tested on it. Trust me, you will be tested.
1.
I love you. Most of what I say to you and do for you comes straight from
my heart. My biggest motivator is
LOVE, simply love, and you are my greatest love. I really hope that you already do know that.
2.
I want you to be happy. Always look for contentment in
what you choose to do, who you choose to be with, and where you choose to be in
life. It’s not always easy to find
happiness, and it may take a few tries, but keep it as your goal. You will find it. Remember, there is more good than evil
in the world.
3.
Trust your instincts. Do your best. Make good choices. You know what is
right. It’s not always the easiest
thing to do. In fact, sometimes
you won’t want to. Other people
will try and convince you otherwise, but stay true to yourself. Always listen to your first
thought and don’t second-guess it.
Follow your own voice and keep your heart in the right place. You will always know best what is right
for you.
4.
Ask for help. I know Dad and I give you lots of advice. I know that you don’t always want to
hear it. Seek out advice from other
people too. Ask for opinions to
weigh against your own. Question
along the way. If you don’t know
the answer, look harder, dig deeper, and search longer. Learn from experience and never be
afraid to make mistakes.
5.
Apologize.
If you are wrong, admit it.
Step up and set it to right.
It takes strength to admit mistakes, but you will feel even stronger
afterwards. A brave man accepts
his weakness. It’s much simpler to
walk away from failure. Stand up
to it and find another way. There
is always another road to success.
6.
Believe in God and Keep the Faith. You were raised to know God and the
power of faith. Keep Him in your heart,
mind, and on your lips. Pray
often, trust always, and know that there is a greater good. Go to church. It’s through practice that your faith strengthens and
sustains.
7.
Stay in community and be of service to
others. It really does “take a
village” to get through most things in life. Stay connected to family, friends, teachers, coaches,
counselors, colleagues, and neighbors.
We are happiest in communion.
Take good care of those around you. Lend a helping hand.
Be fair, friendly, ready and reliable. Be someone’s “go to” guy. Be respectful and kind to all.
8.
Set high standards for yourself and others. Make big goals. Dream big dreams. Don’t worry about missing the mark or
failing. There are worse things in
life. Pick yourself up and try,
try again. “I think I can” said
the Little Engine that Could. I
know you can. Dad and I will
always believe in you.
9.
Figure things out for yourself. Don’t take the easy way out. Don’t rely on someone else to do it for
you. Put your mind, heart, and
soul into it. Live with purpose
and passion. If you want it, make
it happen. Do it your way!
10. You
will be fine. You don’t really
need this list from me. You
already have it all inside you. In
your thoughts, words, and actions.
It’s always with you. I
know that. Dad knows that. YOU
know that. You WILL be fine. But, please, wear sunscreen, just in case.
xoxo,
Mom
...And the moon went to bed.
