Disclaimer: I am not expecting a child, nor do I plan to be in the near future. This is just the culmination of a lot of personal thoughts I've had recently on growing up, being a man, and caring for another human being.
Dear Future Baby,
I'm writing this to you as a sort of declaration of the kind of person I'm going to be in your life. I'm only 21 now so in some respects, I'm a kid myself. That's what makes this letter all the more strange since I'm 21 and single, writing to my future children. Don't worry, you'll surely inherit this weird way of thinking, and I'll take full responsibility. That being said, it is definitely time for me to be mapping out the man I hope to become for you and for myself. In my life, I've learned how a man loves and cares for his family from my dad, your grandpa. He's taught me to work hard at whatever it is I want, cultivate passion in life, and to communicate honestly. I've also learned what a man does not do, such as abandoning his family or putting his own needs and wants before those of his children. Because of the good and bad people I've had in my life, I'm beginning to see what kind of man I will be and in turn, the kind of father you deserve.
I'd like to start out simple, but this is very important. I promise to teach you to be a good person and practice the art of good manners. Being nice to someone you love or a stranger does not take much time nor does it cost a thing. Brightening others' lives will only make you a happier person. Happiness comes from the inside out, don't forget that.
I promise to defend you with the tenacity of a prize fighter. I promise to do my very best Yoda impression and guide you through any obstacle you may face in life with as much wisdom as I can muster. As a side-note, I promise to familiarize you with Yoda and Star Wars at a very young age like my father did for me. I promise to stand by your side and have your back, no matter what the situation. Even before you're born, I promise to expose you to only the best music this world has to offer, such as Johnny Cash, Pearl Jam, Tom Petty, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Led Zeppelin, etc. as well as help you appreciate music in general as the most beautiful force known to man. I promise to teach you patience and kindness through practice. As long as you work to be better about that kind of stuff, so will I. I promise to be a crying shoulder, punching bag, mentor, buddy, coach, and your biggest fan.
And last but not least, I promise to always love you.
Sincerely,
Your Old Man
(Trevor J. Flynn)
