Dear Wes,

I’m writing this as you are sleeping on my chest as an almost 13 month old. I love you. I love you more than I even understood it was possible to love someone before I was a parent. I only want what is best for you and for you to have a happy life.

When you grow up I hope you can find someone you want to spend the rest of your life with. I don’t care if you are straight, gay or something else. I want you to be honest to who you are and find someone who you can share a lifelong love. I can already tell you are going to be an amazing person. I mean, seriously, look at your parents. I meant that in  joking manner of course when it comes to me, but in all seriousness when it come to your mother. She is amazing. She doesn’t always make sense, but she will push you and cause you to grow in an incredible way. Respect her. Feel free to disagree with her. You are your own person after all, but please treat her like a lady. She deserves it.

Don’t be afraid to question things. If you don’t understand something, seek out an answer. If you disagree with something, know why that is and ask yourself if you should feel that way. See an injustice you want to make right? Find a way to change it for the better. Be strong my son, but don’t be too strong to ask for help. We all need help sometimes. It’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to not be perfect. It’s okay to be vulnerable. Manhood is not about how many people you can control with your words or your fist. Manhood is about helping people be kinder, gentler and more peaceful. It’s about cooperation and not competition. A group can accomplish much more than any single person.

I’m not exactly sure why I’m writing you this letter. I was thinking about mortality today. Maybe that’s it. I’m in my early thirties and plan on being around for decades. Plans have a funny way of being changed though and I felt the need to get some thoughts out. I love you son. Know that. No matter what others say, you are important. You are strong. You are loved.