Dear Beloved Son,
I know this month marks the end of your high school years. I also know through various inquires of mine that you are well. I couldn’t be happier for you. I’ve seen your great accomplishments in basketball and I know as a young boy how good you were then.
I remember watching you play in your games and because of my love and understanding of the sport I congratulate you for all your hard work and dedication to something that you love!
When you were born I looked for something written about the meaning of success that I thought embodied the whole truth of the word. This is what I found and I still and came upon this quote written by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded.1
Ralph Waldo Emerson
I commend you for doing well, staying the course and now I want nothing but the very best for you as you take your leap out into the world. I am here Darian, always have been always will. Congratulations to you Son, I love you with all of my heart!