Dear Ethan,
You are our second son, about to leave home and go into the world...your Dad and I want you to remember some things before you go.
I don't know if this is true, but I heard once of a group of brilliant minds who gathered to create a perfect environment. So much so, that they developed a bio-dome of sorts with a habitat of the exact amount of soil, nutrients, plants, air quality, rain, light, PH balance, on and on, resulting in a utopia if you will.
As to be expected, things flourished. Every living thing thrived and grew beautifully. Until however, something began to go wrong.
Trees started to die and fall, plants began to wither, every scientist scrambled to stop the downward spiral, having no idea how to remedy the situation. Scratching their heads, they were sure that every element was exact, having no clue of what could be causing the destruction.
It turned out, in all of their planning - the one thing they forgot to add to their perfection - was resistance. There was no wind. They didn't add the force or push of something to go against the growth. What once grew beautifully and flourished with no struggle, came to a point where the roots became weak without wind - which in nature causes trees to bend and roots to strengthen.
As you go into the world, remember this. People think they want the "perfect life", but if you don't have challenges to go against you, if everything goes your way as people often hope it does, you will not grow stronger. You won't have the ability to handle tough situations and will fail to thrive.
Remember your faith.
For 18 years you have been raised in our faith, in our home. We've taken you to church, raised you with our beliefs, but now your beliefs will be your own, and they will be tested. You will absolutely meet people who don't believe the same as you, and that's a good thing. Learn from others, be an example to others. Stay true to who you are. People will question you, they will question God. It may seem at times to be an impossible task to define God, but it's like trying to compare the Internet to an ant. The internet does exist, an ant does exist, they are both very real. But try to make an ant comprehend the magnitude of the Internet. At times it can be impossible to wrap our heads around, but God is very real. Every creation has a creator and you can count on Him to guide your path.
Remember your friends.
You literally have the best friends anyone could ever ask for. Even from the age of three, you have been with them. Never lose sight of that connection and hold them close in your heart for the rest of your life. As you meet new friends, remember the most basic element. You will find good friends and bad friends. Good friends are happy when you're happy, and sad when you're sad. Bad friends are happy when you're sad and sad when you're happy. It's as simple as that. The best friends will be the same behind your back as they are in front of your face. Surround yourself with them and be that friend in life.
Lift others up, don't tear down and by all means, if you find yourself eating lunch with the wrong people...leave the table...you'll be surprised at the amazing friends who might be at the very next meal.
Remember your family.
No greater love on this earth is more than what we have for you. We will protect you, love you and be there for you in every and all situations. We have been there for your first breath, your first tooth, your first step, first day of school and now suddenly, graduation. I remember when you and your brothers and sister were hanging in and off of a grocery cart I exhaustedly pushed one day as an older woman smiled passing by. "It goes by fast", she winked, but I didn't believe her.
As impossible as that was to comprehend then, now the time has come. We know you'll spread your wings and soar. Remember to circle back and give your mom a hug every once in a while, and always, always remember our hearts are with you.
As excited as we are for what adventures lie ahead in your future, we're so thankful for the son you are today.
Remember who you are, remember where you came from and have faith in where you're going.
We Love You, more than you'll ever know.
Love,
Mom
You are our second son, about to leave home and go into the world...your Dad and I want you to remember some things before you go.
I don't know if this is true, but I heard once of a group of brilliant minds who gathered to create a perfect environment. So much so, that they developed a bio-dome of sorts with a habitat of the exact amount of soil, nutrients, plants, air quality, rain, light, PH balance, on and on, resulting in a utopia if you will.
As to be expected, things flourished. Every living thing thrived and grew beautifully. Until however, something began to go wrong.
Trees started to die and fall, plants began to wither, every scientist scrambled to stop the downward spiral, having no idea how to remedy the situation. Scratching their heads, they were sure that every element was exact, having no clue of what could be causing the destruction.
It turned out, in all of their planning - the one thing they forgot to add to their perfection - was resistance. There was no wind. They didn't add the force or push of something to go against the growth. What once grew beautifully and flourished with no struggle, came to a point where the roots became weak without wind - which in nature causes trees to bend and roots to strengthen.
As you go into the world, remember this. People think they want the "perfect life", but if you don't have challenges to go against you, if everything goes your way as people often hope it does, you will not grow stronger. You won't have the ability to handle tough situations and will fail to thrive.
Remember your faith.
For 18 years you have been raised in our faith, in our home. We've taken you to church, raised you with our beliefs, but now your beliefs will be your own, and they will be tested. You will absolutely meet people who don't believe the same as you, and that's a good thing. Learn from others, be an example to others. Stay true to who you are. People will question you, they will question God. It may seem at times to be an impossible task to define God, but it's like trying to compare the Internet to an ant. The internet does exist, an ant does exist, they are both very real. But try to make an ant comprehend the magnitude of the Internet. At times it can be impossible to wrap our heads around, but God is very real. Every creation has a creator and you can count on Him to guide your path.
Remember your friends.
You literally have the best friends anyone could ever ask for. Even from the age of three, you have been with them. Never lose sight of that connection and hold them close in your heart for the rest of your life. As you meet new friends, remember the most basic element. You will find good friends and bad friends. Good friends are happy when you're happy, and sad when you're sad. Bad friends are happy when you're sad and sad when you're happy. It's as simple as that. The best friends will be the same behind your back as they are in front of your face. Surround yourself with them and be that friend in life.
Lift others up, don't tear down and by all means, if you find yourself eating lunch with the wrong people...leave the table...you'll be surprised at the amazing friends who might be at the very next meal.
Remember your family.
No greater love on this earth is more than what we have for you. We will protect you, love you and be there for you in every and all situations. We have been there for your first breath, your first tooth, your first step, first day of school and now suddenly, graduation. I remember when you and your brothers and sister were hanging in and off of a grocery cart I exhaustedly pushed one day as an older woman smiled passing by. "It goes by fast", she winked, but I didn't believe her.
As impossible as that was to comprehend then, now the time has come. We know you'll spread your wings and soar. Remember to circle back and give your mom a hug every once in a while, and always, always remember our hearts are with you.
As excited as we are for what adventures lie ahead in your future, we're so thankful for the son you are today.
Remember who you are, remember where you came from and have faith in where you're going.
We Love You, more than you'll ever know.
Love,
Mom
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