"An ounce of blood is worth more than a pound of friendship." ~Spanish Proverb
This is truth, Conor. In your life you will have a great many friends, and a few of those may even stick around when times get hard; and times will inevitably get hard. And sure, some friends will be exceptional, and you will know they will be there for you no matter what. I have those friends. Guys I've known for better than 20 years to date, and they're as reliable as anything you can possibly imagine. But without question the greatest constant in your life will be your family - even when you think you friends mean more... And you will...
Family is quirky. Family is funny. Family is opinionated. Family is judgmental. Family aggravating. Family is trustworthy. Family is dependable. Family is unwavering. Family is Love.
I don't mean to preach, Son. To be sure I've put other things in my life ahead of my family, as has every member of my family to me and to one another, and yours too. But I know - I KNOW - that when it comes down to it... When there's no where else to turn. When times get their darkest, it's family that will pick you up. It's family that will carry you. It's family that will love you.
I say all of this in the joy it brings me to see those who love you, and Mommy and me, travel from far and wide to see you, Son. Your family knows intimately the legend of the Lion Heart. They believe in you, Conor an Chroí Lion. They bring you gifts and they adore you, truly. It gives me great comfort to know, no matter how far and wide my family is spread, and no matter how far and wide Mommy's family lives from us, we could call on any of them any time and they would do whatever it takes to ensure your safety, health, and well-being.
Today your Great Aunt Maggie and Uncle Mike came to town from New Jersey. They brought you books and toys. And they brought you love. And again, it makes me so confident and so proud to know that no matter what, your family near and far will be there for you... And all that's expected of you in this life is to be there for them, too. If they should ever need you, you'll be there.
They all love you, Son. And I love you. Always.
-Dad
No comments:
Post a Comment