Dear Eli & Jax,

By the time you read this letter, many things might’ve changed, hopefully for the better, but still expecting the worst. It is the year 2016 and there are so many things going on. The world is on the brink to collapse. Both of you came into this world with lots of joy, but you’re in for a surprise. Hopefully by the time you’re in high school, you don’t have to see what we’re seeing nowadays. Of course, one has to be optimistic, but so many nefarious things are happening; it’s ubiquitous and inevitable.

You’ll grow up learning about the ongoing war against ISIS, the racism that is happening around the world, the homophobia that has been turned into violence, the style of living that would’ve been absolutely ridiculous back when my parents were children, the disrespect that is shown amongst children, teenagers, and really, everybody, and lastly, the greed. Yes, like Motley Crüe says in one of their songs “Greed has been crowned the new king”; you probably don’t know who that band is, but your grandpa always blasted that music around the house. He would play it at every social event! But anyways… You’ll probably be told that racism faded away and it returned around 2015, but that is not real. Don’t listen to anybody who tells you that. If anything, racism has always been there, it’s just being recorded now, and boy is it being recorded all throughout. You’ll learn about the “Black Lives Matter” movement, “Trump2016,” “Bernie or Bust” and so much more. The world is in trouble right now, and if you’re lucky enough to read this, all I can advise you is to stay close to your family, love them as much as you can, and show them respect.

History has shaped who we are as humans, unfortunately. But I want you to mold yourself the best possible way. Always love your parents, respect them, love them, appreciate them, help them, and laugh at their jokes. They cared for you as a baby, but one day you’ll have to take care of them like they’re babies as well. They won’t be able to walk anymore, their joints will be damaged, and everything will hurt them. Spend as much time as you can with them and don’t let them down. Also, always keep your promises, it will save you from many things. Along with your promises, expect letdowns. Unfortunately, people will always let you down, but I want you to be patient and not lash on them; they are humans as well, forgive them. Forgive them. Please remember this word and keep it close to your heart forever. Be forgiving, don’t ever hold grudges on anybody, don’t gossip, don’t ever disrespect a woman or a man, think before you speak, take care of yourself first, exercise as much as you can, and always hold the door open for people, etc.

You will learn all of these along the way, but the one thing that you need to engrave in your heart is failure. You are going to fail so many times in life. You are going to get anxious at times and feel like your thoughts are controlling you. You will have unwanted and undesirable thoughts penetrating through your skull one in a while and you will want to fix everything to make it perfect. I’m here to tell you that perfection is out of this world, so you are prone to fail, fall, lose, feel defeated, controlled, weak, incapable, worthless, pathetic, stupid, and even guilty. Know that actions are stronger than your thoughts; your thoughts mean nothing until you take action. Know that your success only comes with many failures. Know that tomorrow is not guaranteed so today is when you drive forward 100%. Know that you have the strength to move on so don’t stop believing in yourself. And finally, you are worth living in this world so never place yourself out of a world you belong in; a world you will contribute to in every positive way.

I know I’m throwing so many things at you two, but I want the best for you. I know your dad is going to tell you all of this, but I’m going to reiterate because you might let this information go in one ear and leave the other. Since I’m 7 years younger than your dad, maybe you will listen to me, I hope. So take care of yourselves, look for me if you need any advice, I have experienced so many things and I’m barely 19. I wish you two the very best, I love you, and be kind to people all the time.

Sincerely,

Your favorite uncle Sal.