To Sophia and Jack,
All I want for Father’s Day are these few things:
1. Smile, it’s the best way to make friends, others feel good and disarm rivals.
2. Make friends, lots of them and honor them with your honesty and loyalty, because if you are neither honest nor loyal you will have none.
3. Be considerate and listen to others, there is always something to learn or understand in a new way but no matter what trust your internal compass, trust your morals and make your own decisions. You are allowed to have strong opinions and disagree, just do it respectfully.
4. Be decisive; trust your instincts most decisions can be made quickly. But you need to be ready to laugh at yourself when you’re wrong.
5. Put in the effort and never do things halfheartedly it’s a waste of everyone’s time. When you find things you want to do put everything into it.
6. Be courageous. Don’t be afraid to lead or make mistakes. Most people are just that “afraid”. You can tell who is the most afraid because they’re the loudest critics. Critics are even more afraid than the person hiding behind the curtain. Fear is a funny thing because it keeps us alive on those rare occasions, but mostly it keeps us from living.
7. Take responsibility and give credit to others. No one can accomplish much on their own so give other people the glory and be ready to take the blame.
8. Be grateful and don’t hold grudges, there is no more powerful force than forgiveness and gratitude.
9. Create, dream, build and make contributions. Never lose your curiosity, always pursue your dreams and build things that contribute to others. Treat everyone to your art, whether it’s a song, a home, or healing someone who’s sick; its how we leave our mark.
10. Have faith and guard it because it is the most precious treasure. Faith, hope and optimism are so important that little will ever happen without them. However, you need to beware of people who will tell you that faith is enough, especially if they’re asking for your money. (Anyone can sell you a ticket to heaven; it’s the delivery that’s a problem.)
In keeping with “giving credit” to others, I know there is some Winston Churchill in there, Lucile Ball and quite a few other greats. You need to know that your dad isn’t afraid to borrow good ideas; I believe they were meant to be shared.
I love you both very much and I’m very happy just watching you grow into such strong people of character.
Now, how about a new TV for the loft?
Love,
Dad
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