June 11, 1998

Can you still remember yesterday? Can you remember sitting in your best outfit with all your friends and classmates? Can you remember sitting there while it kinda sorta rained? While we all wondered if we were going to just get drenched or if we would just endure the sprinkles. Can you remember all the parents and families and other classes gathered in front and all around you guys? Can you remember graduating from the fifth grade and moving into life as a Sixth Grader???

Maybe, huh? Just a little? Well, I, of course was a proud dad, yet again. But mostly it all made me think back on that time in my life. This is a special time for you. These are the times you will never forget. And the friends. Maybe you'll continue to grow up with some of these same people, maybe not. At any rate, these are some of your first real relationships and friends. And the times that you have with them will help form the person that you are truly to become. And as a father, I am pleased.

Not because you are top of the class, or doing famous stuff, or the fastest, or best looking, or any of that. I'm pleased because I see a real human being when I look at you and watch you. I see someone that knows the value of caring about others. I see someone that knows how to speak her mind. I see someone that adds to the beauty of this life and this earth. I see someone who has values and does her level best to live by them, just because she knows...

I am pleased because I know that you can take care of yourself and that you are capable of taking care of others less able.

I am pleased because I see someone with a great spirit. No matter what you become, what you endeavor to do, you will always be in touch with that spirit within you and find courage, strength, beauty and ability. Now, if you go on to become the best in your class, or the fastest, or the prettiest, or the richest; I won't hold it against you. I will always know you have come about your self and your prosperity, in whatever form, honestly and as a true human being with a huge, huge heart.

Dad

 
[ can you believe it? I can believe it ]