Required Summer Reading

       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