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

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

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...

Where do you do your best thinking?  Do you prefer coffee shops, libraries, or private offices?  Perhaps you're not pinned to any...

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...

When was the last time you experienced pain? We know pain can surface in physical and emotional forms. Perhaps, you are going through a...

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...

“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...

This week you turned twelve years old. Last Friday, you complained about a sore right leg. Twice, you stopped swimming practice early...

Have you ever sat on a chartered plane? If not, let me tell you that outside of the additional fees, it's similar to a commercial flight....

Splash. Does reading the word splash conjure feelings of water hitting you in the face? Perhaps, it makes you think about the puddle...

Dear Kazo, I am writing this from the Miami airport. Your mom took you and your siblings to play in the airport’s indoor playground. We...

“Pick up the pillows. Get the pillows off the floor.” Of course, you must repeat yourself multiple times to complete a single task. This...

Today is your 10th birthday! Last week, you told me that it was your last week as a 9-year-old. Thank you for the reminder. Yesterday, we...

I did something that I don’t like to do first thing in the morning. Instead of grabbing my journal, I reached for the phone and checked...