note to sleeping boys

My Sons,

Be men who bring life wherever you go

Live fully

Drink Deeply

Laugh Loudly

Cry Ugly

Treat the women you meet with honor

Love well

Stay in awe

Let yourself fall in love

Try to choose a worthy heart

But go big

Be strong

Train you body

And your mind.

Be prepared

Never the one people have to wait for

Or excuse

Be a gentleman

Dress in a way that honors others

Use your power to heal

And to help

Hold Doors

Walk on the street-side of the sidewalk

Keep your hand on your sword

But grace on your tongue

Do not hesitate to defend

But do so for love

Not pride or position

Accept earned leadership with humility

Be worthy of the trust.

When your heart breaks

Let it break

But don’t stop or pretend

              Learn and move forward

Let yourself feel

Know the difference between feeling better and

Feeling numb

Between healed and scarred.

 Listen

Celebrate beauty

Music

Art

Writing

Flowers

Perfume

Everything about a woman

Find God

Not in any book

Or system

But in your soul

Find a muse

A reason to breathe

Know always, there is a father who loves you 

More than I can say.