Sunday, May 17, 2015 – handwritten

Dear Max,

I’ve noticed as I get older that I can sit, remove myself from a situation and ponder in slow motion. 

Today, we took you to the beach for the first time. You swam in the Gulf of Mexico for the first time. You had your first slice of pizza at Post Corner Pizza. As I sat under the umbrella and watched Mom, Grandma and you walk down to the water I smiled. I smiled, I sat back and opened an ice cold coke. I put the world in slow motion. I remembered all the times my dad did the exact same thing. And how he probably sat in the same spot and watched me go in the water for the first time the same way. The world was in slow motion. The coke, beading with sweat, had a half inch ring of sand around the bottom where it sat in the cool sand under my chair. My sunglasses felt like they allowed me to see into the future and the past. I felt perfectly at home.

Grandma came back in to sit at the umbrella and we traded places. I swam with you and mom in your first time in the ocean. We were happy. 

Take the time to put the world in slow motion. Enjoy life. 

Love,

Daddy

Saturday, May 16, 2015 – handwritten

Dear Max,

Today was your first time on a plane. Ten months in and the flight attendant gave you her wings – that’s really something.

Firsts are always special, and so are lasts. But, what about the middle? We out so much emphasis on the beginnings and ends of things that we ignore the most crucial part. The middle allows you to grow and explore.

Pressuring ourselves to focus on starting something is wrong. When you start you’re not going to be the greatest. You’ll only find your ‘est when you put in the work – in the middle.

Love,

Dad

Dear Max,

No matter how much you prepare, there is always something you didn’t think about. That’s perfectly fine, it keeps you on your feet. However, the problems start to arise when you under prepare.

When it comes to your Mom and I that is hardly ever the case. We were packing the last few things for Clearwater Beach, Florida tonight – your first vacation! I couldn’t help but notice how prepared Mom was for you. Of course, we probably won’t need half of the things we’re bringing but we have it in case you need it.

When I was in Boy Scouts they reminded us to always be prepared. Now I’m reminding you.

Love,

Dad

Dear Max,

Having two close, best friends is much more important than a ton of friends. Many people will be your friend and say they’re your friend but they won’t stand behind you. They won’t be with you through thick and thin. Then won’t make you smile on the worst of days. 

When Frank, Steff and I are together it’s like nothing else. The chemistry that the three of us have together makes everything we do, fun. We have so many inside jokes that the average person probably wouldn’t understand what we even talk about. Those two guys are like brothers to me.

Make two best friends. That’s all you need.

Love,

Dad

PS: You and Mom are my best friends too. I love you.

Dear Max,

Your mind is your most important tool in life. 

It is a machine, and as with every other super computer you need to make regular updates, clean out the cache and upgrade. 

A lot of people stop learning and feeding their brain when they get out of school. If I stopped learning when I got out of college, I would have missed out on 6 years of growth as of today. 

Every action, every word, every emotion starts with the mind. Nurture it properly.

Love,

Daddy 

Dear Max,

At work? Dance. 

At school? Dance.

Outside? Dance.

Inside? Dance.

Mad? Dance.

Sad? Dance.

Happy? Dance.

Dance as much as you can, whenever you can. Even if you do it just to get someone to smile. I’m not that great at dancing and admittedly I only have two dance moves. I mostly dance to make your mom pop a smile because I look silly and I’m comfortable making light of myself. 

What will you dance for?

Love,

Daddy

Dear Max,

Your mom is the heart of our home. She is the glue that holds the family together. She gave you the greatest gift of all – life.

Mom can make you laugh and make you meatloaf. She can do everything and has given you everything. No matter where you go or what you do in life, always remember your mom. Respect her, love her and celebrate her.

A mother is irreplaceable. My mother is irreplaceable. Your mother is irreplaceable.

You only get one. 

Love,

Dad

Dear Max,

On our way to Auntie Hey Hey and Uncle Curtis’ baby shower I stopped to get gas and noticed something unusual. There was small American flag, visibly dirty and on the ground. I picked it up, dusted off the crime and hung it from the gas pump. 

  
Now it stands again blowing in the wind. Simply it now sits with it strong and weathered countenance.

I am an American. And, I’m proud of that. Not a single person can waive my love for the greatest country on God’s green earth. 

Love your country. Love your flag. Love your freedom.

Love,

Dad

Dear Max,

Breakfast is the most important part of your day. Its a proven fact that we are the most creative and hardworking in the morning than any other time of day. So start your day off right.

This morning you and I had some cheerios and apple sauce that your mom made special. I love our morning breakfast time. I always try to find even just 5 minutes to sit down and have breakfast with you and mom. We can catch up on the news, know what’s going on with each other during the day and spend a few minutes of quality time together.

Just when you think you may be too busy, know that there’s always time for a little breakfast. You may just have to wake up 5 minutes earlier when you get older.

Love,

Dad

Dear Max,

Being a host is a very important part of being a gentleman. And, it doesn’t come easy. Sure, your charisma and a even a general interest in whom your entertaining is important, but it’s not everything.

Here’s a few quick tips:

Know what they like to drink and have it ready.

Clean up and straighten up beforehand.

Have a fun story or two to tell in the hopper.

Look your best.

Read or catch up on things that interest them so you can speak to their interests. President Tesdy Roosevelt used to do this every night before he expected a special guest in the White House.

Most of all, just enjoy the company. Life’s too short not to.

Love,

Daddy