Hi Jim,

You know, I don’t remember having such a tough time at your age but then again my memory is generally rubbish and I was always a bit of a wuss with a gift for avoiding anything that even whiffed of conflict. It was my way and it was a lonely way to do things. Thankfully this isn’t your way.

It’s been tough for you I think because while in so many ways you’ve inherited the best of your dad and me (you are exceptionally bright, cute and charming after all), we’ve also given you a dangerous combination of immense self-confidence, strength and bravery (say thanks to Dad for that) coupled with sensitivity, overwhelming curiosity and imagination (that would be from me) and topped off with a blatant dislike of authority (I think that just run’s in both sides of the family).  These are the things that make you who you are and I wouldn’t change one little bit of you.

But now, it’s time for you to learn that your actions have consequences. It was naive of me to think that you will instinctively know right from wrong, especially when as you grow up we are not the only people in your life you are learning from.  You can’t always be led by your feelings sweet boy and sometimes you may want to ninja kick those obnoxious kids across the playground, it doesn’t mean that you actually can. I know better than to expect you to just accept when people start telling you what to do and what to think, but as valuable as your spirit is, I urge you to learn self-control.

But while there will be many people who tell you all sorts of stuff and while you are growing up there will be lots of external influence in your life, never forget that your family loves you and that every day, every thing that your dad and I do, we do with you in our minds and always in our hearts.