001: To My Kids

These letters are for you

To my kids,

These letters are for you. I’ve often left your mama short notes to find throughout her day, but seldom have I written a proper long-form letter to her. And I regret this because there is so much more that can be said in writing than can be spoken, but there is never a better time to start something new than the present moment.

Graham, you’ve become fond of asking me about me. About my toys when I was little like you, about where I lived, about what I liked to do. And through these questions I’ve learned that I don’t remember many of the answers, but I want to remember them because I want to share them with you. These letters will help lay bare these long-lost memories to help you understand a bit more about your dad and why I love you so much.

Hallie, you’re new to this world… just 1 week old as I write this. Your arrival (and the surrounding circumstances) uncovered a need in me to leave you and your brother a legacy of thought, growth, lessons and grace as we look to find our place together in this world.

To you both, I want to share my journey as I look to become the best dad and man that I can for you and your mama. While I came up without a dad in this world, I had the best possible role model in my Papa, your great-grandfather, that a boy can have and I want to share with you in a similar way that he shared with me: with love and with purpose.

I also want you both to know and understand how much power you have over yourself and the world. You each have untold potential to be who you want to be and to become what you want to become, but you have to act with purpose on your journey through life, otherwise the world will dictate these things for you.

Lastly, I want you both to know and feel how deeply I love and cherish you. As children it may seem trite to you as I say (on repeat) that I love you, but as you travel through life you’ll understand the depth of those three simple words, and I hope the stories, moments and lessons I share with you through these letters shed light on how much of a blessing you are in my life.

Until next time.

Love,
Dad

Written July 14, 2022