To My Future Children,

It’s your father speaking – I know – you don’t know me right now. In fact, I haven’t even married your mother yet. And in addition, you are probably several years to a decade away from being a physical reality to me.

Though one thing is for certain, I want to set up my life for the betterment of those after me. You, as my future children, are a part of that.

I’m in college right now so it’s usually homework, clubs, memberships, and a social life that impact the majority of my day. On most days, I come “home” (my dorm room) to a pile of unfolded laundry, a roommate playing Xbox, and a stack of overpriced textbooks.

But one day I’ll come home to you and your mother, and I’ll do my very best to support all of you emotionally, financially, and spiritually. Whether you’re five months, five years, or fifteen years old, I hope you’ll be happy to see me.

After all, who else is going to give you snacks and take you fishing when mom’s not home?

That is, after you help clean up your messes and finish your homework.

Ultimately, I want your life to be as good or if not better than my own.

I want you to grow up in an environment that teaches you fine morals, strong ethics, and respect toward others.

I want you to be exposed to role models with tremendous values and influence.

I want you to succeed in school and be an exemplar peer – but that preparation starts with me at home.

I want you to make healthy friendships with people of all races and backgrounds.

I want you to flourish in whatever it is you choose to do academically, socially, or occupationally.

Lastly, I want your dreams and aspirations to become a reality, because you will be an American – and this is the best country on earth.

These hopes and goals start with your mother and myself – for we are the foundation of your childhood. As a future parent, it will be my responsibility to provide you with the best chance to succeed. Your grandparents were great to us and your aunt, so now it’s our turn to be great to you.

You don’t know these places yet, but someday we’ll go to Hadlock Field, the Nashville Zoo, and the Calgary Stampede. You’ll see the beauty of God’s creation in your backyard, down the street, or halfway across the earth.

We’ll get to lending you the car keys when the time arrives. All in due patience.

Anyway, I’m publishing this at the age of nineteen – so it could be awhile before you read it. But I’ll keep this on hand for when the time comes. Then maybe you can read it to your children and then they can read it to theirs.

And hopefully, we will all continue to have a better life.

Love,

Your Father of Years Prior