So make the best of this test and don't ask why... it's not a question but a lesson learned in time

Yesterday was a good day Seth. I know you have it in you. You know you are capable of it. You have talents and a sense of deep understanding at such a young age... it's staggering to think what you'll be able to accomplish if you set your mind to it.

We read a book last night and laughed out loud. I told you my infamous Indian Guides' kite story and you listened intently.

This morning I mentioned that one of the locations on Dora the Explorer's route, "The Winter Palace" in Russia was a place that your mother and I have been to. You asked if you were there and I responded "No, that was before you were born." Your response... "I was in your eye," referring to the expression "a glimmer in my eye" I've said to you before. You proceeded to make my vegetable juice for me. Something you should probably be at least 5 before you start doing...but what the heck.

Today you made me smile.

Headline from "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day, 1997

Even after everything you put me through... I still believe in you

Dear Seth,

We're going through a tough time, son. You're striving to define yourself in this world and in the process you're stumbling some. As your dad, this has been very difficult on me. I am trying my best to instill in you the qualities, morals, and beliefs that I think will help you later in life. I didn't get them when I was your age and it hurt me. I so don't want to hurt you the same way. I know you have the capacity to achieve anything. You are so much stronger than I was at your age. You have the inner qualities that will take you wherever you want to go in life. People naturally gravitate to you. That is a trait that you either have or you don't. You have it.

I'm suffering inside because I feel like I am failing you. You mean everything to me and your success is so much more important than my own. I will sacrifice whatever I need to to ensure you do not falter. You're that important to me.

We will try some new ideas in the coming weeks. I'm not losing you boy. No retreat baby, no surrender.

The headline above is from a man named Robert Hazard, who wrote the song "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" back in the 80's for Cyndi Lauper. Robert Hazard died on Tuesday of this week. I thought the heartfelt lyrics to his song posted below were especially poignant in light of his passing.

I love you Seth.

Dad

Headline from "I Still Believe In You" by Robert Hazard, 2007