Dear Teenage Son,
- Vernon C. Lindsay, PhD
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
I am writing this letter to you in the lobby of the Lord Baltimore Hotel. You know, I’m here for a conference. My work with writing and capoeira sent me traveling during your birthday week.
Thank you for pausing your skateboarding to participate in the video of our music practice. I will use the footage during my presentation.
You have officially become a teenager. This weekend we will celebrate you. From simply being you to earning straight A’s and making the Junior Olympics, you deserve every gift coming your way.
I am honored to be your father. You are a smart, kind, athletic, energetic, funny, and generous young man.
The girls like you, but you don’t care how they smile and giggle in your presence. Do your best to stay focused, determined, and true to yourself.
During your teenage years, you will have plenty of challenges. With your good looks, intelligence, and skills, you will attract plenty of admirers and distractors. Ships will come and go, but you must embody self-discipline.
When the drama of teenage life gets overwhelming, know that your mother and I are here to support you. We will always make time to listen to your concerns, answer questions, and offer guidance.
Before I left town, we stopped at the Big 5 store to grab a few items for our rites-of-passage weekend. We bought supplies and made it into the parking lot before we had to turn around. You remembered something not on our survival list.
Your friend had a birthday, and you wanted to get him a gift.
We reentered the store and bought watermelon chews. Several minutes later, as we drove down the street, you remembered your friend had braces and couldn’t eat the candy. By this time, we were almost late for swim practice and couldn’t turn around.
I respect that you decided to get your friend a birthday gift. When I was thirteen, the only gifts my friends received from me were birthday licks. Later, you told me how your friend ate the chews, despite his braces.
Your potential to do great things with your life is evolving. You determine your future by the daily decisions you make.
Ancestor Malcolm X said, “The future belongs to those who prepare today.” If you create goals, make plans, and execute, your success is unavoidable. You will experience difficult moments, but eventually you will reach destiny.
It’s summer break, and you continue to get up before 6 AM to attend swim practices. Your hard work produced PRs and AA times at the last meet. Keep up this regimen, and you will increase your speed and endurance.
Whether we talk about skateboarding, swimming, reading, or writing, disciplined practice and the willingness to receive feedback from teachers and coaches will get you results.
Ok, I won’t keep you any longer. I know you want to either skateboard, watch YouTube, eat food, or terrorize your siblings.
Happy 13th birthday!
I love you,
Dad
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