Morning Ella,
You were sleeping with Mommy when I left so I didn't have a chance to say goodbye.
I thought about you on my way into work and I thought, "What would be my legacy to you in this world?" "How would I explain to you what my life was about?"
That's not only a tough conversation to have with a child but it's a tough conversation to have with yourself.
There has always been on constant in my life that I've stuck to and wanted to follow. And when thinking about the meaning of life or what becomes of one's total experiences it echoes through my feelings.
That constant, is that life is about making as many memories as possible. Don't ignore the world. Be a part of it. Meet people and enjoy them. Experience as much as you can and pack it all in as fast as you can and then find a time later on when you can settle and remember and write and share. And then do it all over again.
I don't know where I am in my life right now when it comes to that mantra. Sometimes I feel very lost. And sometimes I feel very alone. And that's not anyone's fault. That's just the way my journey goes. That's the way my journey has always gone. You love, you learn, and then you stop and you reflect and sometimes you get sad or you get serious. But there is always another horizon...
And then... you came along... and now it's ok to slow down. It's OK to appreciate everyday life... you don't have to live fast and pack it all in. You can slow down and love. Your mother taught me that. She moves in her own way... and if you pay attention to her... she can show you new things.
So my advice - if you were old enough to read this, would be to celebrate your life as much as possible. You only get one and believe me... it doesn't last nearly as long as you think it does. Don't be in such a hurry to grow up and don't be afraid of doing something that you think you won't like. If other people enjoy it - wholesomely and easily, than I believe that joy can live in every human heart and there's no reason you can't enjoy it too.
Have a great day changing our world!
Love Dad
