Words to Remember - From my Dad...
This is an old reposting of a letter I received from my Dad on October 3, 1980. The original Post is Here!
I'm just going to copy and past the email I sent my Dad when I found the letter in my memories box:
Hi Dad,
I was digging through my box of keepsakes and I found this letter (a copy is down below) you sent me for my Sion Senior Class
Retreat. When I found it I decided to frame it and hang it on my bedroom wall. I wanted you to know that I may have forgotten that I had that letter, but the message has never been. It truly shaped the person I became, or at least tried to be.
Never under-estimate the effect you have (or had) on your children.
I love you and Mom very much.
Dear Anne,
We love you very much. We want the world for you, and in our desire for this goal we push and shove, and kiss and hug. Sometimes it is difficult for you to distinguish between the two...but love is always there.
We want you to be happy, but that is an illusive goal. The recipe for "happiness" is the subject of many books and I would be a fool if I thought I could give you a short cut ---for there are no shortcuts. How you strive for happiness is up to you, and what you want out of life is also up to you, but here are some tools you can use on your journey towards happiness.
No, we haven't given you the key to "happiness", but as parents we try to guide you on the long road towards that goal. All we can hope to do is give you Love, Guidance, and a Helping Hand. These things we do for you because we love you. May the hand of God guide both you and your parents in your search for Happiness.
We will love you always,
Mom and Dad.
I'm just going to copy and past the email I sent my Dad when I found the letter in my memories box:
Hi Dad,
I was digging through my box of keepsakes and I found this letter (a copy is down below) you sent me for my Sion Senior Class
Retreat. When I found it I decided to frame it and hang it on my bedroom wall. I wanted you to know that I may have forgotten that I had that letter, but the message has never been. It truly shaped the person I became, or at least tried to be.
Never under-estimate the effect you have (or had) on your children.
I love you and Mom very much.
Dear Anne,
We love you very much. We want the world for you, and in our desire for this goal we push and shove, and kiss and hug. Sometimes it is difficult for you to distinguish between the two...but love is always there.
We want you to be happy, but that is an illusive goal. The recipe for "happiness" is the subject of many books and I would be a fool if I thought I could give you a short cut ---for there are no shortcuts. How you strive for happiness is up to you, and what you want out of life is also up to you, but here are some tools you can use on your journey towards happiness.
- Love those who love you - Love is a two-way street.
- Care for others, for there is no greater gift.
- Give More than you Take.
- Be honest with people and above all, yourself.
- Work hard for the things you believe in. Know that you are right and work toward that end.
- Be your own boss. Demand of yourself more that others demand from you. Accept only a job well done, and do not accept less.
- Don't be a quitter. Know in your heart that you have done your best.
- Smile. The world loves a smile.
- Be proud of yourself. Never look down your nose at yourself. Many people are proud of you especially your parents.
- Build a strong foundation. Education is the strongest foundation, and with it the road will be a lot less difficult.
- Set goals for yourself, and work toward those goals. The more difficult the game, the sweeter the victory.
No, we haven't given you the key to "happiness", but as parents we try to guide you on the long road towards that goal. All we can hope to do is give you Love, Guidance, and a Helping Hand. These things we do for you because we love you. May the hand of God guide both you and your parents in your search for Happiness.
We will love you always,
Mom and Dad.