March 15, 2011
Happy birthday son,
Your name is Cato Walter Round. It's so nice to meet you. My name is Justin. I'm your dad. You already know your mom. Her name is Whitney. Quite honestly, I cannot believe I'm finally a father. That just blows my mind. I'm very glad though. This is sure to be a lot of fun!
We're not a young family, but we're not an old one either. Your mother and I were both blessed with bohemian spirits. That means we like living in lots of different places, and making lots and lots of friends. We have both lived in many different places, and have many many friends. In other words, the family you were born into is big . . . despite seeming so small.
Your mother's and my path finally crossed (that means we met) in a small Colorado mountain town way off the beaten path. We married each other about seven years later . . . just the two of us, by a river . . . in the rain. Three days later, we found out you were on the way. We are both very excited. I work as a chef, and your mom just finished college. We both love music, and we really like to dance. We hope you like to dance too. Regardless, we want you to be yourself . . . always.
Okay, here's the catch . . . there is a lot you need to learn. However, if you pay attention to your parents, and what is happening around you . . . you'll figure most of this out on your own. Our job, as I see it; is to set a good example, be there when you have questions, and protect you from harm. We will offer you support in whatever may call, and we insist that you be as creative as you want. You're going to be a smart little guy. Try not to let that get you into too much trouble . . . please. It's important to make lot's of good friends, explore your world; and by all means dream . . . and dream big.
Your mom and I will teach you about good manners, common sense, the power of an independent spirit, the importance of being a good student, consideration for the planet you live on, the value of a dollar, and regard for all living things (this includes the planet you live on.) We also want you to know that having lots of friends is important; but at the same time, it's important to be careful who you are friendly with.
We want to offer you our wisdom, and teach you a deep respect for your fellow man. I should warn you though . . . this world isn't perfect. In fact, it could use a little help. Quite honestly, we were hoping you might have some new ideas. You may or may not have the answers that saves the world, but you can do your best to change it a little bit for the better everyday.
Through extraordinary actions and deeds, you can set yourself apart from the crowd. I will insist that you treat everyone you meet with dignity and respect. You'll make a good, lasting impression on people that way, and that's what it's all about. It's also important to be honest at all times . . . despite the circumstances. Things'll just turn out better for you that way. Trust me. And don't worry. Mistakes are okay, as long as you learn from 'em. That is to say, don't make the same mistakes over and over. That's just dumb.
We will impress upon you the importance of doing a good job, taking pride in your work, and the value of a dollar. Oh, and we like doing the right thing all the time . . . not just when others are paying attention.
I hope that I pass on to you my ability to make friends, my passion for music, and my eagerness to learn about new things. I hope you get your mother's compassion, patience, and resolve. Also, your mom and I both are very hard workers, so we expect you to develop a strong work ethic as well. We're not trying to be mean, it's just the way it is.
Remember, it's important to be confident, but it's also just as important to be humble. Arrogance is so lame. Try not to be stubborn, and don't rush to judgement. It's crucial to get the facts first.
Welcome to the world son. It may be cold and cruel at times; but like it, or love it . . . it's the only one you're likely to get. So take my advice. Make the most of it. We're all very glad you're here; and we look forward to watching you grow into a strong, and decent man.
Love,
Dad
Happy birthday son,
Your name is Cato Walter Round. It's so nice to meet you. My name is Justin. I'm your dad. You already know your mom. Her name is Whitney. Quite honestly, I cannot believe I'm finally a father. That just blows my mind. I'm very glad though. This is sure to be a lot of fun!
We're not a young family, but we're not an old one either. Your mother and I were both blessed with bohemian spirits. That means we like living in lots of different places, and making lots and lots of friends. We have both lived in many different places, and have many many friends. In other words, the family you were born into is big . . . despite seeming so small.
Your mother's and my path finally crossed (that means we met) in a small Colorado mountain town way off the beaten path. We married each other about seven years later . . . just the two of us, by a river . . . in the rain. Three days later, we found out you were on the way. We are both very excited. I work as a chef, and your mom just finished college. We both love music, and we really like to dance. We hope you like to dance too. Regardless, we want you to be yourself . . . always.
Okay, here's the catch . . . there is a lot you need to learn. However, if you pay attention to your parents, and what is happening around you . . . you'll figure most of this out on your own. Our job, as I see it; is to set a good example, be there when you have questions, and protect you from harm. We will offer you support in whatever may call, and we insist that you be as creative as you want. You're going to be a smart little guy. Try not to let that get you into too much trouble . . . please. It's important to make lot's of good friends, explore your world; and by all means dream . . . and dream big.
Your mom and I will teach you about good manners, common sense, the power of an independent spirit, the importance of being a good student, consideration for the planet you live on, the value of a dollar, and regard for all living things (this includes the planet you live on.) We also want you to know that having lots of friends is important; but at the same time, it's important to be careful who you are friendly with.
We want to offer you our wisdom, and teach you a deep respect for your fellow man. I should warn you though . . . this world isn't perfect. In fact, it could use a little help. Quite honestly, we were hoping you might have some new ideas. You may or may not have the answers that saves the world, but you can do your best to change it a little bit for the better everyday.
Through extraordinary actions and deeds, you can set yourself apart from the crowd. I will insist that you treat everyone you meet with dignity and respect. You'll make a good, lasting impression on people that way, and that's what it's all about. It's also important to be honest at all times . . . despite the circumstances. Things'll just turn out better for you that way. Trust me. And don't worry. Mistakes are okay, as long as you learn from 'em. That is to say, don't make the same mistakes over and over. That's just dumb.
We will impress upon you the importance of doing a good job, taking pride in your work, and the value of a dollar. Oh, and we like doing the right thing all the time . . . not just when others are paying attention.
I hope that I pass on to you my ability to make friends, my passion for music, and my eagerness to learn about new things. I hope you get your mother's compassion, patience, and resolve. Also, your mom and I both are very hard workers, so we expect you to develop a strong work ethic as well. We're not trying to be mean, it's just the way it is.
Remember, it's important to be confident, but it's also just as important to be humble. Arrogance is so lame. Try not to be stubborn, and don't rush to judgement. It's crucial to get the facts first.
Welcome to the world son. It may be cold and cruel at times; but like it, or love it . . . it's the only one you're likely to get. So take my advice. Make the most of it. We're all very glad you're here; and we look forward to watching you grow into a strong, and decent man.
Love,
Dad
