5/1/21
Dear Atlas,
It’s me, your Dad.
It’s hard for me to believe that you still haven’t arrived, and that you’re coming at the same time.
Every morning, I wake up and step away from our bed to sit by the window and write you these notes while I stare at the jungle. It’s magical, Atlas. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect backdrop (both figuratively and literally) for your arrival or for the time needed before you came, to prepare.
Something I’ve noticed your Mom doing before your arrival is making our home beautiful. She’s set up beautiful flower arrangements all over the house, scented the air with Ayurvedic essential oils, and carefully stocked us with everything we need for you.
Atlas, one of the most important things in life is family. However, the environment and way you are raised have a strong impact on your relationship and contribution to the family dynamic.
Your Mom and I hope to raise you to be a respectful, courteous, kind, compassionate, caring, loyal, strong, forgiving, peaceful, and wise young man.
See, it’s not my place to want specific things for you, such as an occupation, interests, or even likes/dislikes. That’s all for you to find out as you get older. I do want certain attributes for you because I know that, whoever you turn out to be, you’ll be a better person if you’re full of character, integrity, and true grit.
True grit comes in different packages, Atlas. Sometimes it looks like persisting through a tough time, carrying an engine, or achieving a goal. Other times, true grit looks like being faithful to your partner (eyes, brain, hands, and heart) or choosing love over fear.
It takes a great deal of courage to be your own person, Atlas.
We live in a world where it’s a lot easier to be a sell-out and wear a label, take a job, make a car payment, or live behind the screen to avoid discovering who you really are on the inside.
There’s one thing I know about you, Atlas. It’s that you will have a big heart and light up the world for the people around you—just like you do for your Dad.
Love,
Dad
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