Max being curious

Dear Max,

Every morning when we wake up with you I am amazed at your curiosity. You rip the glasses off my face and examine those. Anytime you hear my voice you listen to it and look to find me. When we drop you off at daycare you sit there calmly, paying attention to every single thing going on around you.

The level of curiosity you have right now cannot be matched by the greatest minds in the world. You need to learn everything and willingly want to. Keep this sense of interest, harness it and continue it throughout your life. Your thirst for curiosity has renewed my sense of curiosity.

What I’m most curious about is who you are going to be and what you are going to do. Only you can make that choice. To make the proper choice, give yourself the opportunity to learn as much as you can about all that life has to offer. Only then will you determine what you really want to do and where you want to go in life.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Max,

I’ve embarrassed myself more times than I would like to admit – just ask your mother. Sometimes I don’t know the right answer and assume it. I’ve fallen for stupid jokes. I’ve let people get the best of me. For as much as I’ve embarrassed myself or I thought someone embarrassed me, in five years none of it will matter.

Its easy to get hard on yourself. As for me, I hold myself to pretty high standards, meaning I am very critical on myself. I remember little things or mistakes from long ago that nobody else remembers but me. There were some situations I perceived in the moment as so bad I wanted to crawl in a hole and just die.

As much as I hate to say it, perfection is unattainable. You can work towards it, but its always out of your reach. And, that’s okay. Mistakes happen. You’ll get embarrassed. Friends, family and co-workers will embarrass you. Instead of dwelling on it, learn from it and move forward. Then, ask yourself: Will it really matter in five years anyway?

Love,

Daddy

PS: The answer is usually “no.”

Dear Max,

I know it may sound stupid at first but here it goes – drive over 50 miles for great pizza.

Now there is plenty of good pizza. And, you may think one or two of those places around are great, but the search for the pizza that makes you want to fall to your knees and cry in happiness is an adventure.

This goes for all food. Once and a while you just need to go out and take a road trip. Drive to Toledo for a hot dog. Drive up north for good chicken. Drive to Chicago for a slice of deep dish. Drive to Philly for the cheese steak.

The adventure is up to you and the friend(s) you choose crazy enough to go. Why do it? Why not. You’ll always have a story – and a full stomach.

Love,

Dad

PS: The best pizza I’ve ever had is Post Corner Pizza in Clearwater Beach, Florida. I can taste it just saying the name…

Dear Max,

Over worrying is like handcuffs on our society. So many people let worrying stop them from making progress. The truth is, over 50% of what is worried about never comes true.

The only way to face a serious issue is head on. Asking the tough questions and moving forward. If the situation is not as serious, that’s okay too. Just forget about it and move on. You have to look at each situation based to its potential impact to choose which way to go.

If you are prepared, if you did nothing wrong and if you have faith, then there is truly nothing to worry about. Think of all the things you are missing out on if half of your time is spent worrying. I would take the time, but I’d rather not worry about it. 🙂

Love,
Dad

Dear Max,

I read this quote and knew I needed to share it with you.

If plan “A” fails — remember you have 25 letters left. – Chris Guillebeau

Rarely things ever go the way you want them to the first time. Simply try again. You can do it.

I have faith in you.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Max,

Be kind to your service staff, even if they mess up your order.

Waiters, waitresses and service staff deserve to be treated well. No one can really understand what they are going through at that moment than them. They’re stressed, busy and have many bosses – the customers. However, something that many people do not realize is how much power they hold.

Your ma and I were hanging out at a local bar in Plymouth one Friday night in August, just three or four weeks after you were born. We waited 2 hours for our burgers to come to the table. They never showed up. The waitress visited us multiple times and took our order twice. She was doing everything she could. It turns out that the kitchen was understaffed and the room was overbooked. Getting mad at her would not have helped. We were hungry but it was still nice. Your mom got her first margarita [for free] since having you, you slept and we were able to have a really nice conversation. These were all things we had not had a chance to do in a long while.

Your health, finances and state of mind for the night is in their [the staff’s] hands. If you’re nice they’ll treat you right and apologize for their mistakes. If you’re not nice, you could be on the receiving end of identity theft and/or food poisoning, among other things.

Treat them nice. Leave a good tip. Make their night better. Most of the time it’s not their fault anyway.

Love,

Dad

Dear Max,

The greatest thing I can tell you in life is to collect experiences, not possessions. Your mother and I went to Rome, Florence and Venice [where you were conceived] on this notion. Experiences build character, street smarts and a greater view of the world around you.

Experiences aren’t just trips; having you is an experience. No amount of advice or reading can prepare you for the joy a child brings – especially you. Case in point, I had never been thrown up on at 5 in the morning until you came around. I have never spent the night at the hospital until you came. I have never gotten so little sleep. I have never worked harder to provide for my family. I have never threw out my back lifting a car seat. The list could continue for a long while and you’re only 6 months old. The fact is, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Simply experiencing your smile when I meet you and mom at home is all I need.

My life’s experiences are reaching a whole new level with you. The older I get the more I realize that nothing matters in life but what you do with it. Go out and make your own stories. Experience everything that you feel the need to.

The more stories you have, the greater personal wealth you possess. You will feel more complete. I certainly do.

Love,

Dad

Dear Max,

As I hold you at 4am after your first bottle for the day I cannot help but see how fast you are growing. You make me so proud – and you can’t even talk yet! Your smile keeps me refreshed. Your innocence gives me hope. You are authentic.

My goal is write you 365 letters – one a day if I can. These letters will be filled with life lessons I’ve learned along the way. In the end I’ll put them in a book for you. No chapters, no perfect way to read. Just open and enjoy the ride.

Love,

Daddy