What I Want My Son to Know...

When Collin was born I was overwhelmed with a sense of responsibility; not just responsibility for his care, but responsibility for the man he would one day become.  I knew much of that would be taken care of by Robert, but I also knew, that as his mom, time with me would be important, and our relationship would be the foundation for any to come.  I knew I would have a much different perspective on raising a man than Robert, and that would make us a great team.  So, here is what I want my son to know...

- He is loved, treasured and wanted
- WHO he is, and WHOSE he is
- Gentleness, peacefulness and kindness are not unmanly, and are much needed in our society
- Reach for the stars in all that you do
- Your Dad and I are ALWAYS on your side, we are your biggest fans
- You can ALWAYS come home, no matter what
- There is a consequence, good or bad, for every decision, so each decision should be made wisely.
- There really is life after high school, as a matter of fact, I would argue life starts after high school.
- Remember to treat each girl you date like you want the guy who is dating your future wife to treat her
- Take a lesson of what NOT to do from our pop culture icons.
- Just because a girl makes herself available, fawns over you for attention and acts inappropirately doesn't mean you should take advantage of the situation.
- Girls are manipulative, WATCH OUT
- ALWAYS be a gentleman, chivalry is not dead
- Treat everyone you encounter with respect
- Expect others to treat you with respect, including women.  It is just as important for a woman to respect a man as it is for a man to respect a woman.
- DREAM, and dream BIG, Then go chase them, chase those dreams wherever they lead you, whether you catch them or not you'll be happy with where you land and have had one heck of a journey.
- You can do anything you set your mind to
- Be happy, but not at the expense of someone else
- Respect your elders, not just because they have earned it (which they have), but because there are elders you love, and you hope when people your age encounter your grandparents that they treat them respectfully.
- Be grateful, grateful for what you have you never have to look far to find someone who has it worse.  Be grateful for what others do for you it is out of love, respect, admiration for you that it is done.
- Live with dignity in the way you act, the way you dress, the way you speak.
- Stand up for yourself, you are worth it
- Stand up for others, they are worth it too
- Learn how to cook
- Learn how to do laundry
- Respect people in authority, this will serve you well in many arenas of life.  This is not to say you never question, but question with respect and continue to respect them even when you disagree.
- Travel, see the world, see the United States, learn about other cultures and people.
- Do not isolate yourself from people in need, YOU may be just who they need.
-Know God, Love God, follow his guidance and direction for your life and you'll never go wrong.