Hey there.
You, yes you.
Hi, sweetheart.
So, you are feeling a little down right now?
Well, I’m sorry to hear that.
Life sure has a lot of ups and downs, doesn’t it?
On top of it, it sometimes seems like the ups are short-lived and the downs do nothing but linger on.
Some people even get into places and situations where they think that some of the downs can be too big to overcome.
I hope you don’t ever feel like that.
But if you ever get close, take heart.
And let me remind you of 3 things.
1. You Have Options
Don’t ever feel like you don’t have options. You do.
You can break up with the boy.
It is possible to go to a different school.
You can find a new friend after the last one broke your heart.
A career can change, you can move to a different state, and getting a bad grade does not have to be your end.
Some tragedies can even border on the unspeakable.
And, even then, it’s possible to pick up the pieces to things that you can’t even imagine possible.
I felt a little bit like the world was coming to an end when I was kicked out of graduate school a long time ago.
I mean, I got three-quarters of the way through an Economics Ph.D. program before I left.
And you know what?
My life took a pivot.
It pivoted, and it went on. That’s the point here.
Whatever problem you are looking at, it’s not the end.
Whatever problem you are dealing with today does not have to define you tomorrow.
2. You Can Come Home
As long as your mom and I are here you also have this. Hear me out.
No matter what, no matter what, you can always come home.
No matter where you are, no matter what you are doing, you have two options.
First, you can come home if you can get home.
Second, if you call me I will come get you, no questions asked.
Do you hear that?
If we are here, you can always come home.
No matter how bad it is, I will help you put it back together.
I will always be here for you.
3. I Love You
Remember that I love you.
Have I ever told you that?
Don’t forget it.
Life is so short and goes by so fast.
Don’t let your mood, your circumstances, or your situation permanently change your perspective.
Even if mom and I are not here, you have an extended family that loves you.
We all love you.
So, I don’t know what you are down about right now, but there is a lot to be hopeful and thankful for.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made by a God of love and grace.
He made you exactly as you are, and he is big enough for all of your obstacles too.
And I am so glad I got to spend the latter part of my life with you.
You have options, you can come home, and you are loved.
You are beautiful and perfect.
Are you reading this right now? Call me.
I’d always love to talk to you.
Or send me a text if you can.
I love you.
-Dad