The future is no place to place your better days - Dave Matthews

Sterling,

Here is some heavy stuff.

I catch myself, more and more, thinking about my role in the universe and your role here.  Our whole family's place in the universe. I've come up with a few tidbits for you to think about.

I've been wondering what life will be like when I'm not around.  If nothing else, it'll be quiet.  I want to be remembered.  We all want to be remembered.  That is selfish.  We won't be remembered.  I only know that a tiny piece of me will be in some descendant 300 years from now and they'll have no idea who I am.  Why should they?  I'll be remembered by you.  I need to live in the now.  You can tell your kids how much fun we had.  It will make them want to have cool stories like the ones we have and WILL have down the road.  I look forward to those.  I'll toss the ball with you any time you want. 

When I was younger, I wished that my parents taught me the things I didn't know.  That's probably why I try to give you insight into the human condition.  Know that YOU have to learn the things you don't know.  Know that you will learn them the hard way.  We all learn them the hard way.

At some point, the word "potential" fades.  All people have potential.  Some people use this potential and some don't.

Blood is thicker than water.  Be loyal to your family and friends.

If you can't say something to someone's face...don't say it.

Never let anyone tell you what you should be or who you should be.  If you forget what or who you are...I'll tell you :)

When walking with your wife and kids, keep yourself between them and traffic.

Open doors for people..

I don't know the secret of life.  I know that your life will be filled with highs and lows.  The lows will kick you in the nut bag repeatedly until you want to vomit.  They are around every corner.  They are unrelenting and do not like you.  The highs are pretty sweet though.

When walking, keep your head up.  Always make eye contact with everyone.  Give a firm handshake.

Work...that's an easy one for me.  My self worth comes from work.  I enjoy working.  I didn't get rich...yet.
Find something you like to do.  Enjoy life.

If you don't like what you've become.  Change.

Eff the person that tries to hurt your feelings.  Know that there are truly evil people out there.  I have never understood why they are out there...but they are.  Stay away from them.

I have made tons of mistakes.  I will continue to make mistakes.  I will learn from my mistakes.

You will have moments of self doubt.  That effing thing between your ears is always talking to you.  Always questioning you. Be confident!  Know that you are a good person.  A positive person.  A fun person.  A funny person.  A smart person.  A loving person.  A thoughtful person.  A good friend.  The best son.

I'll love you no matter what.