...bad, bad, blogger! You've let 2 months go by without writing a word! Now sit your butt down at the keyboard and write something! It doesn't have to be profound. It doesn't have to be funny. But you started this blog because you like to write...so WRITE!
Ok,Ok, I'm writing! Get off my back! I was lazy, I admit it. There were thoughts in my head and things to write about but I'd sit down and thing "Bleehhh" maybe later. To tell you the truth, one of the obstacles holding me up is my audience. If your mother, daughter, ex-wife, neighbor, boss, cousin, best friends, and girl friends can all peak into your head it definitely limits the topics you can talk about. And the people that are in your life tend to be characters in the stories of your life, so you have to be careful not to upset anyone who thought that certain story would remain anonymous. See the problem?? There are stories I share with my friends that I sure don't want my kids to know about and there are incidents at work that I'd just as soon keep from my boss. If I praise a former relationship, that might not be appreciated by a future relationship. But if I stick with happy stories that are suitable for everyone, then I end up with forgettable Hallmark cards.
I'll work on it. Any advice would be appreciated.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Olympics
I just saw my first commercial for the upcoming Olympics. Intellectually, I realize that there is a ridiculous amount of time and attention and money and politics spent on these games, but I love them anyway. The commercials always make me cry. did I say cry?? I meant tear up (just a little bit). The advertisers for Nike and Gatorade are very manipulative when it comes to my emotions.
There are so many inspiring Olympic moments and I've made a list of my top five. Interestingly the top two have nothing to do with victory.
5...1980 USA Hockey. Completely unoriginal because it's on everybodies list but it's there for a reason.
4...Phelps domination in 2008 swimming. But he needed two "come from behind" victories to do it.
3...Kerry Strug sticks the landing with a broken ankle. Wow!
2...Eddie the Eagle does what we all want to do. With no talent he competes anyway.
1...No contest. This scene still brings tears to my eyes just by thinking of it. In 1992, Dereck Redmond tears his hamstring and can't finish his 400 meter race. He's sobbing and struggling to finish and his father comes out of the stands to carry him across the finish. The scene represnted so much. Striving, failing, and finishing anyway and a fathers love. Here...watch it for yourself while I get a tissue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO8b-zIKixM
Or if you prefer...here is the story from ESPN.
The day of the race arrives. Father and son reminisce about what it took for Derek to get to this point. They talk about ignoring past heartbreaks, past failures. They agree that if anything bad happens, no matter what it is, Derek has to finish the race, period.
The top four finishers in each of the two semifinal heats qualify for the Olympic final. As race time approaches for the semifinal 400 heat, Jim heads up to his seat at the top of Olympic Stadium, not far from where the Olympic torch was lit just a few days earlier. He is wearing a T-shirt that reads, "Have you hugged your foot today?"
Derek Redmond
With the help of his father, an injured Derek Redmond completed his race in the 1992 Olympics.
The stadium is packed with 65,000 fans, bracing themselves for one of sport's greatest and most exciting spectacles. The race begins and Redmond breaks from the pack and quickly seizes the lead. "Keep it up, keep it up," Jim says to himself.
Down the backstretch, only 175 meters away from finishing, Redmond is a shoo-in to make the finals. Suddenly, he hears a pop. In his right hamstring. He pulls up lame, as if he had been shot.
"Oh, no," Jim says to himself. His face pales. His leg quivering, Redmond begins hopping on one leg, then slows down and falls to the track. As he lays on the track, clutching his right hamstring, a medical personnel unit runs toward him. At the same time, Jim Redmond, seeing his son in trouble, races down from the top row of the stands, sidestepping people, bumping into others. He has no credential to be on the track, but all he thinks about is getting to his son, to help him up. "I wasn't going to be stopped by anyone," he later tells the media.
On the track, Redmond realizes his dream of an Olympic medal is gone. Tears run down his face. "All I could think was, 'I'm out of the Olympics -- again,'" he would say.
As the medical crew arrives with a stretcher, Redmond tells them, "No, there's no way I'm getting on that stretcher. I'm going to finish my race."
Then, in a moment that will live forever in the minds of millions, Redmond lifts himself to his feet, ever so slowly, and starts hobbling down the track. The other runners have finished the race, with Steve Lewis of the U.S. winning the contest in 44.50. Suddenly, everyone realizes that Redmond isn't dropping out of the race by hobbling off to the side of the track. No, he is actually continuing on one leg. He's going to attempt to hobble his way to the finish line. All by himself. All in the name of pride and heart.
Slowly, the crowd, in total disbelief, rises and begins to roar. The roar gets louder and louder. Through the searing pain, Redmond hears the cheers, but "I wasn't doing it for the crowd," he would later say. "I was doing it for me. Whether people thought I was an idiot or a hero, I wanted to finish the race. I'm the one who has to live with it."
One painful step at a time, each one a little slower and more painful than the one before, his face twisted with pain and tears, Redmond limps onward, and the crowd, many in tears, cheer him on.
Suddenly, Jim Redmond finally gets to the bottom of the stands, leaps over the railing, avoids a security guard, and runs out to his son, with two security people chasing after him. "That's my son out there," he yells back to security, "and I'm going to help him."
Finally, with Derek refusing to surrender and painfully limping along the track, Jim reaches his son at the final curve, about 120 meters from the finish, and wraps his arm around his waist.
"I'm here, son," Jim says softly, hugging his boy. "We'll finish together." Derek puts his arms around his father's shoulders and sobs.
Together, arm in arm, father and son, with 65,000 people cheering, clapping and crying, finish the race, just as they vowed they would. A couple steps from the finish line, and with the crowd in an absolute frenzy, Jim releases the grip he has on his son, so Derek could cross the finish line by himself. Then he throws his arms around Derek again, both crying, along with everyone in the stands and on TV.
"I'm the proudest father alive," he tells the press afterwards, tears in his eyes. "I'm prouder of him than I would have been if he had won the gold medal. It took a lot of guts for him to do what he did."
There are so many inspiring Olympic moments and I've made a list of my top five. Interestingly the top two have nothing to do with victory.
5...1980 USA Hockey. Completely unoriginal because it's on everybodies list but it's there for a reason.
4...Phelps domination in 2008 swimming. But he needed two "come from behind" victories to do it.
3...Kerry Strug sticks the landing with a broken ankle. Wow!
2...Eddie the Eagle does what we all want to do. With no talent he competes anyway.
1...No contest. This scene still brings tears to my eyes just by thinking of it. In 1992, Dereck Redmond tears his hamstring and can't finish his 400 meter race. He's sobbing and struggling to finish and his father comes out of the stands to carry him across the finish. The scene represnted so much. Striving, failing, and finishing anyway and a fathers love. Here...watch it for yourself while I get a tissue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO8b-zIKixM
Or if you prefer...here is the story from ESPN.
The day of the race arrives. Father and son reminisce about what it took for Derek to get to this point. They talk about ignoring past heartbreaks, past failures. They agree that if anything bad happens, no matter what it is, Derek has to finish the race, period.
The top four finishers in each of the two semifinal heats qualify for the Olympic final. As race time approaches for the semifinal 400 heat, Jim heads up to his seat at the top of Olympic Stadium, not far from where the Olympic torch was lit just a few days earlier. He is wearing a T-shirt that reads, "Have you hugged your foot today?"
Derek Redmond
With the help of his father, an injured Derek Redmond completed his race in the 1992 Olympics.
The stadium is packed with 65,000 fans, bracing themselves for one of sport's greatest and most exciting spectacles. The race begins and Redmond breaks from the pack and quickly seizes the lead. "Keep it up, keep it up," Jim says to himself.
Down the backstretch, only 175 meters away from finishing, Redmond is a shoo-in to make the finals. Suddenly, he hears a pop. In his right hamstring. He pulls up lame, as if he had been shot.
"Oh, no," Jim says to himself. His face pales. His leg quivering, Redmond begins hopping on one leg, then slows down and falls to the track. As he lays on the track, clutching his right hamstring, a medical personnel unit runs toward him. At the same time, Jim Redmond, seeing his son in trouble, races down from the top row of the stands, sidestepping people, bumping into others. He has no credential to be on the track, but all he thinks about is getting to his son, to help him up. "I wasn't going to be stopped by anyone," he later tells the media.
On the track, Redmond realizes his dream of an Olympic medal is gone. Tears run down his face. "All I could think was, 'I'm out of the Olympics -- again,'" he would say.
As the medical crew arrives with a stretcher, Redmond tells them, "No, there's no way I'm getting on that stretcher. I'm going to finish my race."
Then, in a moment that will live forever in the minds of millions, Redmond lifts himself to his feet, ever so slowly, and starts hobbling down the track. The other runners have finished the race, with Steve Lewis of the U.S. winning the contest in 44.50. Suddenly, everyone realizes that Redmond isn't dropping out of the race by hobbling off to the side of the track. No, he is actually continuing on one leg. He's going to attempt to hobble his way to the finish line. All by himself. All in the name of pride and heart.
Slowly, the crowd, in total disbelief, rises and begins to roar. The roar gets louder and louder. Through the searing pain, Redmond hears the cheers, but "I wasn't doing it for the crowd," he would later say. "I was doing it for me. Whether people thought I was an idiot or a hero, I wanted to finish the race. I'm the one who has to live with it."
One painful step at a time, each one a little slower and more painful than the one before, his face twisted with pain and tears, Redmond limps onward, and the crowd, many in tears, cheer him on.
Suddenly, Jim Redmond finally gets to the bottom of the stands, leaps over the railing, avoids a security guard, and runs out to his son, with two security people chasing after him. "That's my son out there," he yells back to security, "and I'm going to help him."
Finally, with Derek refusing to surrender and painfully limping along the track, Jim reaches his son at the final curve, about 120 meters from the finish, and wraps his arm around his waist.
"I'm here, son," Jim says softly, hugging his boy. "We'll finish together." Derek puts his arms around his father's shoulders and sobs.
Together, arm in arm, father and son, with 65,000 people cheering, clapping and crying, finish the race, just as they vowed they would. A couple steps from the finish line, and with the crowd in an absolute frenzy, Jim releases the grip he has on his son, so Derek could cross the finish line by himself. Then he throws his arms around Derek again, both crying, along with everyone in the stands and on TV.
"I'm the proudest father alive," he tells the press afterwards, tears in his eyes. "I'm prouder of him than I would have been if he had won the gold medal. It took a lot of guts for him to do what he did."
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The Captain and Tennille
What was the first album you ever purchased?
In the course of a conversation on music with old (or new) friends the question will eventually come up. Most music questions are subjective and the answers can be debated or changed. Who was the best 70"s band? What was your favorite 80's group? Who are the top 10 singers in your lifetime? There are many possible answers and you can change your mind after listening to someone else's passionate reasoning.
But you only bought your first album one time and there's only one answer. Either you bought it or you didn't. I grew up in the 70's and there were so many good bands that I could have chosen to spend $10 on. I wish I had bought Pink Floyd. That'd be a cool answer. Lynnard Skinnard, The Allman Brothers, CCR, or Queen....all would be proud answers to the question. I didn't really care for KISS or AC/DC but I'd be in good company if one them was my first. I loved REO, Fleetwood Mac, and Styx so it's a mystery why they weren't my first. If I wanted mellow, why didn't I go with Billy Joel or Simon and Garfunkel. There wouldn't even be any shame in the very 70's Abba or BeeGees.
But my first album was The Captain and Tennille. I know, I know. I can't explain it either. I remember I bought in K-Mart at the same time my brother bought Olivia Newton John. I swear...we are both heterosexual males.
Fortunately I fare much better when I am asked about my first concert. Because in 1980 I saw those macho bad boys from down under ----
--- Air Supply!
Oh Yeah!! Manhood restored!!
In the course of a conversation on music with old (or new) friends the question will eventually come up. Most music questions are subjective and the answers can be debated or changed. Who was the best 70"s band? What was your favorite 80's group? Who are the top 10 singers in your lifetime? There are many possible answers and you can change your mind after listening to someone else's passionate reasoning.
But you only bought your first album one time and there's only one answer. Either you bought it or you didn't. I grew up in the 70's and there were so many good bands that I could have chosen to spend $10 on. I wish I had bought Pink Floyd. That'd be a cool answer. Lynnard Skinnard, The Allman Brothers, CCR, or Queen....all would be proud answers to the question. I didn't really care for KISS or AC/DC but I'd be in good company if one them was my first. I loved REO, Fleetwood Mac, and Styx so it's a mystery why they weren't my first. If I wanted mellow, why didn't I go with Billy Joel or Simon and Garfunkel. There wouldn't even be any shame in the very 70's Abba or BeeGees.
But my first album was The Captain and Tennille. I know, I know. I can't explain it either. I remember I bought in K-Mart at the same time my brother bought Olivia Newton John. I swear...we are both heterosexual males.
Fortunately I fare much better when I am asked about my first concert. Because in 1980 I saw those macho bad boys from down under ----
--- Air Supply!
Oh Yeah!! Manhood restored!!
Monday, November 2, 2009
They Come and They Go
People move in and out of your life. In fact, I'd say that in ten years you will have forgotten most of the people you spent time with this week. They were co-workers, classmates, neighbors or even friends. But unless there is a "blood tie" it is hard to keep all of these people in your life as your life changes. At least most of the time you have some say about who you choose to keep in your life, but thats not always the case.
A relationship between two people involves a lot more than two people doesn't it? Divorce is a good example because you typically aren't just divorcing your partner, you also divorce their entire families. All of the in-laws become people that you used to be related to. I've been through that and there are nieces and nephews that I miss but I was one of the two main characters in that break-up so I knew what was coming.
But now I'm a fringe player in another loss because my daughter just broke up with her boyfriend of two years. We all loved this kid! He stayed at the house, he played board games with the family and we even traveled with him. Then "Poof" he's gone. At least when you are the main character in the break-up, you get to know the reasons and mentally prepare and say your good-byes. Samantha actually didn't tell us for a couple of weeks because she worried about our reaction. The reasons for the break-up were mature enough and naturally my reaction was to support her, but still... it was hard not to say, "What the Hell?!" "Why?" "What about checking with me first??"
I know that this is just a natural part of modern courtship and in the end I just want them to both be happy. Of course we form attachments to the people our kids date for a long period of time. It's hard not to love someone who loves your kid! But from now on I'm going to maintain a bit of distance and not get too attached. We parents have to remember, it is THEIR relationship - not ours. I trust her judgement and I'm guessing that usually our own great kids will be drawn to other great kids. In fact she's already seeing a guy who seems like another nice kid.
But I'm not getting attached this time. And I'm going to start a movement to bring back arranged marriages. It probably wouldn't have worked before but I believe that my generation really does know best!
A relationship between two people involves a lot more than two people doesn't it? Divorce is a good example because you typically aren't just divorcing your partner, you also divorce their entire families. All of the in-laws become people that you used to be related to. I've been through that and there are nieces and nephews that I miss but I was one of the two main characters in that break-up so I knew what was coming.
But now I'm a fringe player in another loss because my daughter just broke up with her boyfriend of two years. We all loved this kid! He stayed at the house, he played board games with the family and we even traveled with him. Then "Poof" he's gone. At least when you are the main character in the break-up, you get to know the reasons and mentally prepare and say your good-byes. Samantha actually didn't tell us for a couple of weeks because she worried about our reaction. The reasons for the break-up were mature enough and naturally my reaction was to support her, but still... it was hard not to say, "What the Hell?!" "Why?" "What about checking with me first??"
I know that this is just a natural part of modern courtship and in the end I just want them to both be happy. Of course we form attachments to the people our kids date for a long period of time. It's hard not to love someone who loves your kid! But from now on I'm going to maintain a bit of distance and not get too attached. We parents have to remember, it is THEIR relationship - not ours. I trust her judgement and I'm guessing that usually our own great kids will be drawn to other great kids. In fact she's already seeing a guy who seems like another nice kid.
But I'm not getting attached this time. And I'm going to start a movement to bring back arranged marriages. It probably wouldn't have worked before but I believe that my generation really does know best!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Driving on Ice
Jonah's had his learners permit for a month now and I have to admit that he has been an excellent driver from the very first day. He seems completely natural behind the wheel and is eager to learn more.
Just like city kids learn to drive in traffic, mountain kids learn to drive by cliffs on ice. This morning was his first opportunity to do that. While we were still sitting in the driveway I told him that he just needed to know two things. Drive much slower and leave a lot of room between you and the car in front.
"Ya, Dad, I know."
At the first stop sign I told him he approached it too fast for driving on ice.
He said that he didn't see any ice so I told him about black ice and that you can't always see it.
"Ya Dad, I know."
Swan Mountain is between my house and the high school. It's curvy, steep, narrow, and often icy. (even in June) The top speed limit is 35mph. Jonah was doing about 30mph on a downhill curve when he started fish tailing on black ice.
Into oncoming traffic.
For a few seconds our van pivoted back and forth and couldn't decide if it was going to go left into the Jeep or right off the embankment. (I was hoping for the embankment)
To my credit, I didn't scream, yell instructions, or grab the wheel. To his credit he didn't scream, over correct, or slam on the brakes. I'm not sure if there was screaming in the Jeep or not. Although Jonah got us into the mess he very expertly got us out of it as the oncoming cars went wide around us.
I smiled at him. "That was scary."
"Yes it was." he calmly admitted.
When we got to the high school I told him that other than almost getting us killed he did a very nice job. I asked him if he knew now why he needs to go slow on ice.
"Ya, Dad."
Now I know he knows.
Just like city kids learn to drive in traffic, mountain kids learn to drive by cliffs on ice. This morning was his first opportunity to do that. While we were still sitting in the driveway I told him that he just needed to know two things. Drive much slower and leave a lot of room between you and the car in front.
"Ya, Dad, I know."
At the first stop sign I told him he approached it too fast for driving on ice.
He said that he didn't see any ice so I told him about black ice and that you can't always see it.
"Ya Dad, I know."
Swan Mountain is between my house and the high school. It's curvy, steep, narrow, and often icy. (even in June) The top speed limit is 35mph. Jonah was doing about 30mph on a downhill curve when he started fish tailing on black ice.
Into oncoming traffic.
For a few seconds our van pivoted back and forth and couldn't decide if it was going to go left into the Jeep or right off the embankment. (I was hoping for the embankment)
To my credit, I didn't scream, yell instructions, or grab the wheel. To his credit he didn't scream, over correct, or slam on the brakes. I'm not sure if there was screaming in the Jeep or not. Although Jonah got us into the mess he very expertly got us out of it as the oncoming cars went wide around us.
I smiled at him. "That was scary."
"Yes it was." he calmly admitted.
When we got to the high school I told him that other than almost getting us killed he did a very nice job. I asked him if he knew now why he needs to go slow on ice.
"Ya, Dad."
Now I know he knows.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
A Fall Drive
I should have been a trucker.
Forget the fact that I can't even back a trailer out of a driveway. I just like driving. It relaxes me. Putting miles behind me feels like progress even if I'm not going anywhere.
This Sunday, with a lot on my mind and no plans I just got in the car and started driving Colorado's back roads. I didn't plan on a 300 mile, 8 hour trip but thats what happened.
As you can see from the pictures below, I picked an excellent weekend to do it. I've said this before but I'll say it again. I live in a BEAUTIFUL part of this planet.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
For Noah on his 18th Birthday
Noah,
There is so much I want to tell you on your 18th birthday. The law says that legally you are a man now and honestly...that sends me into a panic because I feel like there is so much that I've neglected to say or teach you. Life is sooo fast. I swear you were just born last Sunday. On Tuesday you were climbing on to the roof when we weren't looking. And just yesterday it seems you were asking me to help you build a jet pack in the garage. It happened too fast and I'm not ready for you to be 18! I think that most advice a parent gives an 18 year old is swiftly forgotten. But maybe if I write it down, you can keep it and read it again occasionally and one day you might find some wisdom in it.
Noah, you have so much potential. Please don't settle for average. Please don't settle for what is easy or safe. The world can be scary. Life isn't fair. But I'm going to tell you a secret. We are all pretending. It's true. We are all scared. We are just guessing at the answers and nobody is as cool or confident as you think they are. We all wear masks when we go out in the world, Noah.
Smile. You don't do it often enough but you light up the room when you do. One day a girl is going to fall in love with you because of that smile.
Remember...Look people in the eye and give a firm handshake. I can't explain it but trust me. (it's a guy thing)
Make friends with all types of people and keep your eyes and mind open to everyone. Sometimes, the coolest friends are hiding in the oddest people.
Don't be afraid of strong women. If you find one that falls in love with your smile...make sure she is your equal and marry her.
Dance. I don't dance but I regret it. You'll always be popular with the ladies if you aren't afraid to dance. You don't even have to be good! Just don't be afraid!
Be proud of who you are. You are part of me - you are part of Mom. You are part of your grandparents. You are part of a thousand people who were born and lived and loved and died and passed a part of themselves on to create something incredible...you. Remember that and pass it on.
Trash talking is over rated. Be humble, be gracious.
You are the only person on this planet who has sole custody of your life. Your particular life. Your entire life. Not just your life at school, or work, or the life in your mind. You are in charge of the life of your heart...your soul. I know that you tend to dismiss anything that can't be proven with science Noah, but it's your soul that truly defines who you are. It's your soul that will give you comfort when you're sad, or scared, or lonely. There really is something in the universe that is bigger than we are. Please be receptive and open to it when it comes to you.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. You will not understand this until years from now - but try. Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Love it. Take care of it. It's the best thing you'll ever own.
Care about people. Really work at it if you have to. Don't dismiss their interests, music, religion, games or friends. It's a small world when you only put your happiness at the top.
Remember the compliments. Forget the insults.
Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Hug your father. Men should never be ashamed to show love. Hug your mother. She's the first woman that ever loved you. Understand that they are human and try to forgive their mistakes. Be nice to your brother and sister (even when it's hard!). Visit them and talk about the times when you were kids. They're your best link to the past and the people that will most likely stick with you in the future.
Do what makes you happy. Be yourself. It's OK to follow the beat of a different drummer as long as you remain a part of the world. Don't give up too easily, Noah. Be willing to invest the time to achieve your goals. Be honest. Talk is cheap. If you say you are going to do something - do it. Living your life with integrity and honesty is the only way to live. People will respect you for it but more importantly, you'll respect yourself. Always do your best.
I believe in you , Noah. Believe in yourself.
I love you,
Dad
There is so much I want to tell you on your 18th birthday. The law says that legally you are a man now and honestly...that sends me into a panic because I feel like there is so much that I've neglected to say or teach you. Life is sooo fast. I swear you were just born last Sunday. On Tuesday you were climbing on to the roof when we weren't looking. And just yesterday it seems you were asking me to help you build a jet pack in the garage. It happened too fast and I'm not ready for you to be 18! I think that most advice a parent gives an 18 year old is swiftly forgotten. But maybe if I write it down, you can keep it and read it again occasionally and one day you might find some wisdom in it.
Noah, you have so much potential. Please don't settle for average. Please don't settle for what is easy or safe. The world can be scary. Life isn't fair. But I'm going to tell you a secret. We are all pretending. It's true. We are all scared. We are just guessing at the answers and nobody is as cool or confident as you think they are. We all wear masks when we go out in the world, Noah.
Smile. You don't do it often enough but you light up the room when you do. One day a girl is going to fall in love with you because of that smile.
Remember...Look people in the eye and give a firm handshake. I can't explain it but trust me. (it's a guy thing)
Make friends with all types of people and keep your eyes and mind open to everyone. Sometimes, the coolest friends are hiding in the oddest people.
Don't be afraid of strong women. If you find one that falls in love with your smile...make sure she is your equal and marry her.
Dance. I don't dance but I regret it. You'll always be popular with the ladies if you aren't afraid to dance. You don't even have to be good! Just don't be afraid!
Be proud of who you are. You are part of me - you are part of Mom. You are part of your grandparents. You are part of a thousand people who were born and lived and loved and died and passed a part of themselves on to create something incredible...you. Remember that and pass it on.
Trash talking is over rated. Be humble, be gracious.
You are the only person on this planet who has sole custody of your life. Your particular life. Your entire life. Not just your life at school, or work, or the life in your mind. You are in charge of the life of your heart...your soul. I know that you tend to dismiss anything that can't be proven with science Noah, but it's your soul that truly defines who you are. It's your soul that will give you comfort when you're sad, or scared, or lonely. There really is something in the universe that is bigger than we are. Please be receptive and open to it when it comes to you.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. You will not understand this until years from now - but try. Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Love it. Take care of it. It's the best thing you'll ever own.
Care about people. Really work at it if you have to. Don't dismiss their interests, music, religion, games or friends. It's a small world when you only put your happiness at the top.
Remember the compliments. Forget the insults.
Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Hug your father. Men should never be ashamed to show love. Hug your mother. She's the first woman that ever loved you. Understand that they are human and try to forgive their mistakes. Be nice to your brother and sister (even when it's hard!). Visit them and talk about the times when you were kids. They're your best link to the past and the people that will most likely stick with you in the future.
Do what makes you happy. Be yourself. It's OK to follow the beat of a different drummer as long as you remain a part of the world. Don't give up too easily, Noah. Be willing to invest the time to achieve your goals. Be honest. Talk is cheap. If you say you are going to do something - do it. Living your life with integrity and honesty is the only way to live. People will respect you for it but more importantly, you'll respect yourself. Always do your best.
I believe in you , Noah. Believe in yourself.
I love you,
Dad
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