Dear Son,

Something happened today at your graduation, something I was in no way prepared for. Upon hearing your name called, I looked up at the stage expecting to see my middle child, my baby boy, receive his high school diploma.

Oddly as it may sound, I was caught off guard when after hearing your name, a tall, dark haired, muscled young man strutted out and took center stage.

I don’t know how to explain how I felt. I was suddenly taken aback, as if caught in a trance, as I watched this stranger, this incredibly handsome young man with piercing black eyes filled with determination and a broad chest and squared shoulders boasting with pride walk firmly and purposly to receive his diploma. I was lost in time until he turned directly towards me, locked eyes with mine, and mouthed the words:“I did it.”

Reality hit me like a ton of bricks. You are no longer a little boy; you have officially transformed. You have closed another chapter in your book of life which I pray will be long, loving, and filled with happiness.

I sense your uncertainty and I assure you, son, it is perfectly natural. You are now facing a new school, new friends, and new challenges. A chapter of your life has ended and for the time being, the pages which follow are all blank, waiting for you, their true author to fill them.

As parents, up until this point in your life, your Mother and I have essentially been ghostwriters. We have made your decisions for you and kept you on our straight and narrow chosen path. Now, my son, it is time for you to prepare a rough draft and begin the legwork for the next chapter.

Your Mother and I can no longer make all of your choices for you, we can no longer hold you under our wings, protecting you from the world. The time has come to spread your wings and begin the creation of your own mark, the mark your choices will leave in this world.

I can and have shown you how to be a responsible young man, but I cannot force you to accept responsibilities.

I have taught you honesty, kindness and respect, but I cannot command you to value the same.

I have explained to you what it is to be a good friend, loyal and true, but I can no longer choose your friends for you.

I can continue to warn you about the very real dangers of drugs and alcohol, but I can not make you say “NO”.

You will now need to take all of those lessons you have learned and put them to proper use. No one is perfect, you will stumble and at times even fall. You will need to be strong as the road will be long and at times not well lit. You must remember to keep your chin up and always move forward, slowly yet surely, one foot in front of the other, one step at a time.

Before closing this letter, I’d like to leave you with a few words, a bit of simple advice to take with you on this new journey: Think with your brain, follow your heart, and trust your gut. Never confuse falling with failing, and never doubt the love your Mother and I have for you.

I’m so very proud of you. Congratulations.

Dad