Dear little Leo,
As I write this, I can’t help but reflect on the whirlwind of the last few months. You came into my life on March 18, and just a week before that, I experienced a health scare at 36. It wasn’t catastrophic, but it served as a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability. While you are busy mastering the art of eating, sleeping, and making messes in your diapers, I find myself under the care of a team of doctors trying to understand what happened. So far, their investigations—blood tests, MRIs, and more—have yielded no answers.
I’m not one to dwell on the morbid, and this isn’t meant to be a farewell note. However, in the event that my journey takes an unexpected turn, I want to share some insights with you.
Family First
Know this, my dear son: your immediate family—your mom, grandparents, and a few close aunts and uncles—love you unconditionally. They cherish you just as you are, and you are uniquely important to them. But it’s essential to recognize that outside of this circle, not everyone will share that same heightened view of you.
As you grow, you’ll likely collect various accolades and certificates, but remember that real life doesn’t hand out participation trophies. You will find some things challenging, and that’s perfectly fine. Discovering your unique talents takes time, and learning from failure is part of that journey.
You may watch friends receive praise for their every effort, but beware: excessive validation can inflate egos and lead to arrogance. You won’t become the next sports star if your batting average is low, nor a literary genius if grades reflect otherwise. Focus on what you love and excel at, and nurture those passions.
Be Cautious Online and Offline
As you enter your teenage years, I implore you to tread carefully. You’ll be navigating a world of temptations and peer pressure. It’s natural to get into trouble, but aim for minor missteps rather than serious mistakes.
If you find yourself at a party with a drink in hand, don’t even consider driving. Understand that while some substances may appear harmless, they can lead to dire consequences—especially dangerous drugs. And if the opportunity for intimacy arises, always take the necessary precautions.
You will grow up in a digitally connected world, where your actions can leave a lasting mark. Your missteps today could follow you for years, far beyond what I experienced in my youth. So, before acting impulsively, take a moment to think about the potential consequences.
Embrace Life’s Challenges
I hope my earlier warnings don’t come off as overly cautious. Life is about balance. While it’s wise to think ahead, don’t let fear hold you back. Your time in high school will pass quickly, and one day you might wonder why it seemed so significant.
Take risks. If you believe someone is out of your league, let them decide that. It’s better to swing for the fences than to play it safe. If someone confronts you, stand your ground. Self-respect often comes at a price, but it’s worth fighting for.
Try new things, even if they’re not mainstream. Exploring diverse interests can lead you to unexpected talents and passions. A significant portion of your life will be spent working, so pursue a path that brings you joy and fulfillment—transform a job into a calling.
As for the basics, keep it simple: study diligently, stay active, and remember to eat your greens. And whatever you do, steer clear of becoming a fan of the wrong sports teams.
For more insights on the journey of parenting and family planning, check out our guide on home insemination kits here. You can also find excellent resources on pregnancy at Hopkins Medicine.
In summary, life is unpredictable, but it’s also an exciting adventure. Embrace each moment, and always stay true to yourself.