From the day you came into my life you were so special, so smart, so sensitive and so good. It was fun to be with you. As you grew into a young lad you quickly became your own person with your own ideas and with your own way of doing things. It was exciting to watch you grow up, see you happy, laughing, smiling and striving for your goals and dreams.
My Son, you are very unique and special and I know that your talents will give you many paths to choose from in the future. As you mature my son, always have many interests as they will keep you constantly occupied. Always keep your positive outlook as it will give you the energy to accomplish great things. Always keep your determination as it will give you the ability to succeed in meeting your goals. Always keep your excitement about whatever you do as it will help you to have fun. Always keep your sense of humor as it will allow you to make mistakes and learn from them. Always keep your confidence as it will allow you to take risks and not be afraid of failure. Always keep your sensitivity as it will help you to understand and do something about injustices in the world. As you continue to grow in your own unique, wonderful way always remember that I am very proud of you.
My Son, I pray that all your dreams become reality. Dreams will come true if you take the time to think about what you want in life, get to know yourself, find out who you are, choose your goals carefully and be honest with yourself. But don’t think about yourself so much that you analyze every word and action. Find many interests and pursue them, find out what is important to you, find out what you are good at, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Work hard to achieve successes. When things are not going right don’t give up, just try harder, find courage inside of you to remain strong and give yourself freedom to try out new things. Don’t be so set in your ways that you can’t grow. Always act in an ethical way, laugh and have a good time. Form relationships with people you respect, treat others as you want them to treat you, be honest with people, accept the truth and speak the truth. Open yourself up to love, don’t be afraid to love back, remain close to your family and take part in the beauty of nature. Be appreciative of all that you have, help those less fortunate than you and try to make other lives happy. Work towards peace in the world and live life to the fullest.
My Son, I pray that you always keep your wonderful attitude that whatever happens in your life happens for the best. I pray that you are always truly happy and thankful for whatever you have and that you never care about what you do not have. You are a very rare person and I am so proud to have you as my son. You cannot imagine how happy you make me when I do not have to worry about you. You are everything a proud father could wish for. I want you to know that wherever you go, or whatever you do, or whatever you think, or whatever happens in the future I will always be rooting for your happiness and success, and you can always depend on my love, understanding and support.
My Son, it seems like just a little while ago when you sat on my lap and smiled at me for the first time. I loved you so much then and though you are older now and living your dreams and pursuing your own goals, I still look at your beautiful smile to know that things are all right with you. I feel so fortunate to have you for a son and I love you even more today. Not only are you the best son in the world but you are also my best friend. I am so proud of you my son, and I love you always and forever.
TO ONE SO FINE AND BOLD
Poem by Robert Sexton
Whatever dreams you follow;
however far you fly;
you’ll never be alone, my boy,
on earth or sea or sky.
My heart will travel with you,
’til all your dreams are done,
Then guide you safely home again:
My child, my lad, My Son.
Christmas 2005
China - in His image 