Father’s Day is Sunday. A few months ago, I read a letter written by a dying father to his three year old son. It makes me wonder if we shouldn’t be writing letters to our sons even before we know that life is short. After all, life is short.
August 11, 1991
Dear Christopher,
I’m writing this note to you now because I don’t know what the future holds for me. I want you to forgive me for being sick and not being able to be there for you when and if you need me, but I want you to know one thing above all else. I love you so much that I can’t describe the feelings that I’m going through.
I want you to grow up and be a success at whatever you attempt to do. The time that I did spend with you was a wonderful and enjoyable time in my life and you helped make it that way. This letter is very hard for me to write because I keep starting to cry, knowing that I will not be here when you are reading this. The sadness keeps overwhelming me and tears are flowing down my face. I’m so very proud of you and you have shown me just how smart you are already. I expect you to grow and be able to use your head to think things out and to be able to ask questions if you don’t understand something.
Above all else I need to know that you will always be there for your Mother and your sister. Your family is more important to you than anything else in this world. I know that there will be times that you get upset with Mom for not letting you do something that you want to do, but she does really know what is best for you. Listen to her and learn from her advice.
I’ve left you all my tools and tool boxs and other neat stuff. I hope that you . . .
See the letter and read the rest here.
