Most that know me, know that I have 5 kids. 3 of my own and 2 step. In retrospect, I have 5 kids. One is grown another is about a year from being grown. The other (including my step sons) are teens or under. I wanna write this letter in case something ever happens to me. So they understand why I am the way I am.
Dear kids,
I have spent years of my parenthood striving to be a good father. This consisted of me being mean, telling you "No", making you mad and hurting your feelings. I don't wake up in the morning and think to myself "How can I make their lives miserable?". That's not how it works. I do things and say things for you to show you boundaries and rules. Because in life, that's just how it is. Abide by the rules and listen, that's part of life. Choices have consequences. Some of those will affect your whole life.
Coming down on your hard when you do something wrong is my job. Trust me, you rather I come down on you then a judge in a court of law. I'm trying to mold you into a responsible adult. That consists of me checking and double checking your story. Yeah, I don't trust you. I think you forget that I was young once too. Chances are I've done it, thought about doing it, had a friend that did it and so on. I found out when I got older the stuff I thought I got away with, I really didn't. My parents knew more than I thought. I always thought that my parents were mean and strict. That they wanted to make me miserable. I can remember being mad at them and wishing I could just be an adult and have my own rules. When I was 15 I got into trouble for pulling a prank and getting a trip to the police department. Even though it was a harmless prank, I got grounded. The person I was with also got into trouble. The difference was that he was grounded a week, I was grounded 2 months. He had his license and was driving. That didn't matter though, my dad didn't care. That ride home was the worst. I look back and can remember being so mad that I got such a harsh punishment. Things could have been worse. That small prank could have been a huge mistake. Causing myself or someone else a lifetime of pain. Reliving that mistake with my siblings is a punishment all its own. They like to bring up when they can. Just ask them. Just say "Lance, Daniel and the Scarecrow" they will fill you in on the rest.
I often get looks from you (my kids) like I just handed down a life sentence. Better than the real thing. Life isn't fair, and as long as you walk this earth, it never will be. The bible even tells us that man's days are short and full of trouble. The idea is to try not to add to it. That's why I'm here. I want to guide and help you. I am human and I won't always do things the correct way, so don't hold that against me. You have no idea the nights I have cried and begged GOD to show me the right thing to say or do. I just pray when you have you own kids you can see. Being a parent is tough. If GOD tattooed instructions on your rear end, that would have helped. (Sorry I stole that saying from my parents). Maybe you will be like me and say to yourself "Dad was right". That I'm not the idiot you think I am now. Everything I do is with love. I want you to be happy, healthy, successfully adults. Nothing holding you back. Until then remember that I love you and I'm proud of you. Also do me a favor and remember a few things..
1. GOD will never leave you or forsake you.
2. No matter what, you are loved.
3. Always brush your teeth and wear deodorant.
4. When life gives you an elephant to eat, there's only one way to eat it. One bite at a time.
5. Worrying can make you sick, and most of the time it's pointless.
6. Respect everyone.
7. Respect yourself.
2. No matter what, you are loved.
3. Always brush your teeth and wear deodorant.
4. When life gives you an elephant to eat, there's only one way to eat it. One bite at a time.
5. Worrying can make you sick, and most of the time it's pointless.
6. Respect everyone.
7. Respect yourself.
8. Work Hard, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty.
9. Say "I love you" often.
10. Laugh
These are just a few important things to remember. Life will give your own lessons to learn and points to correct. You only get one life. Make it a great and one you can be proud of! With great power comes great responsibility. Sorry, I stole that line too. It wasn't from my dad, it was the spider-man movie. :)
Love,
Dad
Dad
