Dear Future Child,

I’m writing you this letter out of the love I already have for you. You see, I’ve wanted a child for a long time and often contemplate different occurrences in my life today, coming up with the best advice to give you when you struggle with the same issues in your lifetime. Please take my advice to heart because I will always "know what's best for you".

If you have a crush on someone, just tell them. Trust me; nothing will unravel you more than wondering whether or not they like you back. Sure, spilling your heart couldn't go as planned, but you could also miss out on something truly special that you would have never discovered otherwise. As for the gender you date: love is love. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

If that same person, (or another boyfriend or girlfriend), breaks your heart – life goes on. Don’t get me wrong, I know how much it hurts. Eat some ice cream and watch as many dramas on Netflix as you need to, but don't let the heartache consume you. Do something creative, like painting or crocheting, to express those emotions in a positive way.

If your friends in school don’t motivate you to do your best, cut them out of your social circle. High school matters; it is the foundation for your future education and colleges and universities use your GPA to determine how much scholarship money to give you and whether or not they should even consider your application. When you are accepted into the school of your choice, be sure to find the middle ground between your social and academic pursuits and never stop meeting new people. Never give up on your education should you fail a class or two, just be sure to work harder next time. Don't be afraid to ask your teachers or a tutor for help.

Form your own opinions and ideas, though they may not be popular; don't let other people spoon-feed you their own version of events. Fight for what you believe in without turning to violence.

There will be nights you lay awake struggling with the weight of the world, but I will only be a bedroom, car ride, or flight away from you and I will gladly drop whatever I am doing to comfort you. I’ve endured many long nights of staring at the ceiling, completely lost in my own mind, and I’ll do whatever I can to help you get though those negative experiences of your own.

I won’t expect you to call home every night, but please do every once in a while because I’ll never stop thinking about you each day. Live life to the fullest and with no regrets. You can never dream too big. If your dreams seem unobtainable, change your mind set, never settle.

When you have kids of your own one day, give them unconditional love. Go to their sports games, concerts, theater productions, spelling bees, or whatever else they’re involved in. Encourage them and be their rock. Be their biggest fan, just as I am yours.

Most importantly, always know that I love you, no matter what happens between us. And when I have passed on, read over this letter when you’re feeling discouraged or simply miss your old fart and draw encouragement from it. After all, I have always known what’s best for you, and you have always known what's best for your child.

With Unimaginable Love,

Your Future Father

P.S. When something comes up in your life that doesn't appear in this letter, try me. I've seen it all.