Sunday, March 3, 2019

Dad Advice: Dating and Love

Maddie & Gracie,


Someday you will want to...(sigh)...date. So, here is what I need you to know and understand about dating.

1. Parents fear their children dating because it is fraught with the potential to get hurt. Remember, we only want what is best for you. Admittedly, it took a while to find your mother and achieve the happiness for which I had been searching. I had some disappointments along the way and, I am sure to have had disappointed others as well. Take your time, protect yourself, and never fear coming to me or your mother for support, advice, guidance, and understanding...we’ve all been there.

2. I hope that you will seek someone who values you as much as I do and will treat you as I have done. Kindness, caring, friendship, affection, appreciation, consideration, empathy, laughter, dignity, and respect should all be expressed, unconsciously, by the person whom you choose to be with.  Never stay with someone who does not appreciate you for exactly who you are and does not show you the courtesy you deserve. Know your value and never let someone else dictate your worth. 


3. Life is entirely too short to limit your chances for achieving true happiness and experiencing unconditional joy in your life. In my opinion race, gender, religion, orientation, nationality, and class present no significance when searching for that special someone. It ultimately does not matter. If you find someone who brings joy into your life and loves you as much as I do, than hold onto that person and never worry about what others may think or say. 


We will always - ALWAYS - have your back and believe in you.


Love,


Dad


Dad Advice: Know Your Value

Maddie & Gracie,

As I have told you many times throughout your lives: You. Are. Wonderful. I see you for who you are, who you will become, and it brings me great joy to envision your future.  


Both of you are intelligent, compassionate, caring, funny, beautiful, kind, and loving young women. You should always embrace the goodness instilled in you and endeavour to make this world a better place by extolling your virtues.


Never let anyone succeed in diminishing your self worth. Do not let yourself be defined simply by what others may think of you. Stay true to who you are and who you want the world to see you as by projecting your confidence and using your mind, heart, skills, ideals, principles, and beliefs to forge your happiness. 


Believe in yourselves and what you can accomplish when you focus your desire and will to succeed. Use your passion to overcome the obstacles that may stand in your way but, do so while wielding kindness, reason, facts, and empathy to navigate your path in life.


Embrace your shortcomings and weave your failures into your greater character as rounded personal growth relies on the teachings learned in both your victories and defeats. 


See yourselves as your Mom and I see you, for we could not be prouder.


Love,


Dad

Saturday, March 2, 2019

Dad Advice: Introduction


Maddie & Gracie,


I was the first to hold each of you when you were delivered into this world. I am not ashamed to say that tears of joy streamed down my face when you were born because, in that moment, I was completely overcome with a feeling of love.  I had never imagined that I would be awash with such powerful and humbling emotions - emotions that came from instantaneously loving someone so unquestionably and entirely. It is you two that delivered into my life the meaning and purpose I had not yet known it so desperately needed.

With the passing of my friend and coworker, John Heaney, I realize that this existence is so fleeting that time may not always be available to express to you all the hopes and dreams I wish for your future. Though I pontificate to you on a somewhat regular basis, I thought it best to start writing down some of the lessons and wisdom acquired so far in my life. 


With that in mind, I trust you will read what I have written here as it was intended - to be advice and insight that you could draw upon in the years to come.  Please know that every word I write to you comes from a place of love, caring, and deep reflection that hopefully you can use in your journey.


I love you both very much and feel absolutely blessed, everyday, to have had the privilege of being your father.


Love,


Dad