Dear Malcolm, Where do I begin this? My son picked you as the “Person of the Century” for a class assignment. His report reminded me that you died on February 21, 1965. If you hadn't died, you might have reached 100 today. Most of us don’t live past 100, but anything is possible in the pockets of my imagination. They killed you because you threatened their egos and systems. Your words had teeth to bite injustices and cripple racism. The courage you embodied in your speeches a

I don’t know how many more days, months, or years I have left to live. The doctor says, I’m in excellent shape, but life is unpredictable. I am writing this letter to you for your 15th birthday, in case death comes sooner than expected. Sure, I could have shared these words with you in a private setting. However, much of your time is spent online and on screens these days. I want to see more of you around the house, but you can read this letter in your favorite place at home-

Dear Kaz, Twelve years old! That's a big one. It's not as big as the dinosaurs you love, but you're one step closer to becoming a teenager. It's a pleasure to see you growing into a young man. I am impressed with your discipline to swim nearly every day of the week. With every practice, you're getting stronger and faster. Your mother and I enjoyed seeing you compete in the Junior Olympics meet. While you didn't win a medal this year, we know you did your best. Doing your best

His preparation to conquer mountains began at birth. When I first held him, I accepted the responsibility and joy of raising a son. Without a manual, I acquired the skills, grasped the knowledge, and made mistakes. Although my father provided a reliable example, I had to learn how to raise my children. I changed diapers, attended doctor’s appointments, showed up for school functions, and transported them to sports activities. My dad offered guidance with his presence during m

Dear Emery, You will turn 13 in three days. I am writing this letter a few days beforehand, in the early hours, while the house is still asleep. “Here comes the big guy.” You know the context of the quote; I won’t embarrass you. However, I want you to understand that this is a big year. Much has already happened. We moved back to the States. You started a new school, earned your place on the high honor roll, and joined a football club. The other day, I asked you, “What is a m

Surprised, upset, or elated? How did you feel after Super Bowl LIX? I hope you came out ahead if you put money or a friendly bet on the game. The day before the Eagles spread their wings and soared over the Chiefs, I huddled in a park with ten men. One of them asked me if I was a sports fan. I shook my head no and answered the next question. They asked about my work and hobbies. It was my first time with the men who exercise daily together in various locations around the neig

Dear Vizuri, Fourteen years old is official! You're no longer daddy's little princessa warrior like I have you saved in my phone. In four...

What sacrifices are you willing to make? Consider a goal and the anticipated result. To achieve the outcome, you must let something go....

It's your turn again! Congrats on making it to 11 years old this week. I hope you enjoyed your special day. With our trip to Atlanta this...

If you follow basketball, then you know what happened last week. If you ate more than your share of barbeque on the 4th or drank too much...

It’s been five days. How are you feeling? Do you miss Los Angeles and the process of preparing for your next sermon? Fifty years of...

My mission began at 5:30 AM on June 16. I went around the house and made sure everyone was up and getting ready. Before humidity filled...

If police and doctors knew more about race and empathy, could they have done more to save his life? We will never know. Do you remember...

You are twelve years old. Thank you for stopping the daily reminders of your birthday. We didn’t forget. I hope you are pleased with your...

We arrived at the hiking leader's home at 5:33 AM. She was already in her car and ready to leave. While pulling up behind her, I looked...

You told me not to do this.  But after I reminded you that I could die tomorrow, you excused my desire to write you this letter.  Thank...

You turned ten years old. Congrats on joining the double-digits club! This year, dinosaurs, swimming, and skateboarding made your list of...

Sunday is our day. It's Father's Day, and perhaps we should anticipate a proper celebration for the work we do year-round to support our...

Dear Emery, How does it feel to turn 11 years old? I remember that age, but I won't bore you with stories of my year in the fifth grade....

“Dad, have you heard of this thing called AI Chat?” “No, what’s that?” “It’s not ChatGpt. It helps you respond to someone when they say...