Dearest Amon,

Who we become in this life is our choice.  We practice.  We create. We believe and we become.   Many of us have coaches, teachers, parents, family, friends and other kinds of champions along the way who help us realize our dreams.   You will be one of those people as the village behind you is large and loving.   But much of the journey you will do alone.   Alone except for God.

Don’t ever stop having faith in a higher power that allows you to be a faithful steward of love.   Because when we live a life of compassion and love, and share our commitment to ourselves and our God with others, it is contagious.   We find ourselves surrounded by people who think and feel and believe the way we do.   And that is the gift we are intended to give to others:  permission to lead with love.

Love, Dad