Throwback

The IRS had me too vexed to write today, so we're gonna crank up the "way back machine" and pull something from the vault. I think I wrote this some time around Christmas a couple of years ago.... (Oh and I (c) so dont play yourself).




Open Letter To My Son

Son.
You know how much Mommy loves you.
I couldn’t even tell you how much if I tried.
And I know you love me back beyond measure
But you try so hard to show me through the offering of your last few pennies
So Mommy can keep the cable on.
I don’t want your money, baby. What I want right now is your attention

I want you to promise me, Son.
Promise me that you will live a full and prosperous life
Free of all the drama and despair of the world
Live free of any expectations anyone may ever have of you – except your Mom.
Because your Mom wants nothing but to make your life a thousand times better than hers
Promise me that you will love with your whole heart
And that whatever woman should have it at whatever time
You will always treat and speak to with respect and reverence
Love is beautiful but it can also be hard
Never be afraid to walk away from anything or anyone that isnt right for you
Be faithful.
Talk to God and listen when he talks back.
Be a better man than your father
And help your sister grow to be a better woman than me

Look people straight in the eye when you speak to them and always say what you mean
Be a man of your word and never make a promise that you cant keep
Be firm when you say no, and when you say yes, do it with a smile
Do things for people because it’s the right thing to do
And not because you expect something in return
But don’t be anybody’s fool, know when and where to draw the line
Take risks, but be smart about them. Know when you are in over your head
Learn from your mistakes so you don’t have to make them again
But learn that some mistakes are too much fun to make only once

Don’t watch too much TV, it will only depress you
Read.
Apologize when you hurt somebody’s feelings
But stand on your principles when you know youre right
Choose your friends carefully
Have your own so youre never at anybody’s mercy
Its okay to cry, just be choosy about whom you let see you vulnerable
Think quickly. Speak slowly.
Listen more than you talk, so you learn to hear whats NOT being said
Never let anyone tell you what you cannot do. But know your own limits.
Don’t drink too much.
Don’t smoke at all.
Save.
Always tell the truth, even if it hurts.

People will hurt you and you will want to hate them
Don’t. Pray for them instead.
Don’t hold grudges.
Never borrow what you cant pay back.
Don’t keep all your money in the bank.
Keep your business and your personal affairs separate
Work hard. Play harder.
Stay in touch with your friends even after one of you moves
Travel.
Plan what you can but never be afraid to be spontaneous

There are pages and pages of additional things I could tell you
But this will do for now
I plan to be around for long enough to guide you whenever needed
But these are the basics for that ‘just in case’
Tomorrow is not promised, Son
So don’t put off what you can today
You are young now and probably couldn’t comprehend most of this
But my hope is that one day when you are grown
You will unfold this from your wallet and read it
Knowing how much your Mommy loved you when she wrote it