To my Son

My son, do not fear. There are many things to be confused about, yes. Many questions are yet unanswered, and the guiding light of hope and freedom for our country has been dimmed. But that light will not be extinguished. That light is the essence of human endeavors, exploration, imagination, yearnings, and creativity. It calls to each generation, imploring us to do more, be more, give, build, seek ... and learn.

History is woven with dark times. We are perhaps at the doorstep of one such time, of becoming less as a nation, of absconding our mandate to lead, of closing the doors of freedom, of draping our glory in the shame of greed and fear. Our country has just said no to the weakest of us, it has just said no to the hurting, it has just said no to warriors striving for independence half a globe away. It has turned its back on the least of these in our own communities.

Our country has just said to our wives and mothers that they should be subservient to men; that their main role is to stay home and produce babies. Our country just told its men that having integrity and honor in how you treat women is not important. Our county just told the world that neither facts, or science, or the climate matter. Why? Because eggs are a quarter more expensive than they were before the pandemic? Because people are afraid of the brown workers who pick our fruit and produce, who do all the many necessary jobs none of us want to do? Or was it because no one was paying attention, and figured it made more sense to put the loud rich guy in charge of the economy? Which, by the way, was the strongest on earth, eggs included.

Leadership is about self accountability, self sacrifice, and stepping aside to give opportunities to those you mentor and support. The United States has just voted against leadership, and instead elected a strongman. A strongman cares about himself first and foremost, his appearance of power, and wealth. Those are not qualities of a good leader. Being in charge does not equate with being a good leader. Leaders earn respect. Strongmen force it.

But these times, and this time, will eventually be passed over by new wonders and beacons. After a time, the light will crack the dull shell of our fears and poor judgement. The light is strong. The light persists. The light is in your soul, and I want you to nourish it by preserving your self dignity, and by giving love to others, and by investing your mind into those things that are worthy of your humanity. Do not give in to fear, or hatred, or blame. Instead, grow, produce, and help.

I ask you to be brave in the days ahead. We will lay witness to sorrows, and people will be secretly hurting, and joy may be lost for many. But do not let it wear you down. We must journey through the darkness in order to experience the euphoria of dawn. Continue learning, treat each person with kindness, and never be afraid to stand up for those lost amidst the dimness, seeking to find their own way. Help the weak, give aid to those who are put upon, lend grace to those whose flame flickers low. In time, we will unite to burn brighter than the fear, and once again the glory of our light will shine clearly from the hilltop of freedom, of liberty, and of hope for all the world to see and be strengthened by.

Love, love, and love.