To My Sons

I sit here in solitude a quite and wonder.

Did I tell you the things you need to hear.

Now that you three are grown I look back and ask myself, Did I tell you?

Did I tell you all that I felt important. Did I tell you or was it lost in the shuffle of our everyday lives, The busy full days when we taught and didn't know it. What did we teach? Was it strong? Was it good? Will it root you in something real that has and will allow you to grow with a firm and sound foundation?

Did I tell you to love, not with a fair-weather love, but with a love that accepts and cherishes unconditionally. Love not with a quick and passing love, but with a love that is a quiet peace within your heart.

Did I tell you that not all tears are wrong.

Did I tell you to be thoughtful. Not to be a martyr or doormat to be trod upon, but to be aware of other people and their needs. To meet others with awareness and within your own framework be able to meet them halfway and on occasion go the other half joyfully.

Did I tell you to be courteous, not to display empty manners with no meaning but to live the courtesy born of caring. And to express this caring through the small formalities and customs born of the years.

Did I tell you to be bold. To be not afraid of the unknown, but to live life to the fullest and meet each new experience with joy and anticipation. There is so much to see and know.

And did I tell you to be cautious. To temper you're daring and sense of adventure with good judgment and consideration.

Did I tell you to serve other people if only in a small way. There is growth and satisfaction in being part of something larger than yourself and your life will be richer for knowing this.

Did I tell you to maintain a sense of the past. To recall and uphold all that is best and meaningful in your life and in the society of man. Society has done many great things and has brought much that is beautiful in the world, yet it has only scratched the surface of what the mind can do. But never be afraid to speak out where you don't believe or there is room for improvement. Work for what you believe, but work in a positive way within a structure of order and reason.

Did I tell you to find a part of nature that speaks to you. Then know it intimately and well. For some it is a mountain peak, for some a windswept beach, for others a path through green forest and a small stream. Find your own and in it find your restoration. Always remember we are a part of this world as much as it is a part of us.

Did I tell you to laugh, to dance and sing. There is a lot in life that is hard, but take it as it comes and find the good . . . and make time to dance and carry a song in your heart of your own making.

Did I tell you to be creative to explore the seed within you. Find your creative spirit and let it grow.

And did I tell you the challenge of being a man. - the challenge of balancing your world's. - The need to achieve and the need to nurture. - The need to be strong and the need to be tender. - the need to meet the tests that life brings yet always keep love at the center. - letting it be the star by which to set your sail.

Did I tell you these things as we went along the way?

If I did I am humbly grateful. If I did not then you must choose for yourself. If it has meaning accept it and make it your own, if it does not discard it. Your lives are yours to build as you choose.

And did I tell you I hope it will be a good life.

Dad