Dear little Leo,
As I write this, the world feels both overwhelming and wonderful. Just a few months ago, on March 18, you arrived and transformed my life into something truly special. It’s hard to believe that before that, on March 7, I experienced a stroke at the age of 36. It wasn’t catastrophic, but it served as a wake-up call—a reminder of life’s fragility. While you’ve settled into your charming routine of eating, sleeping, and filling diapers, I find myself surrounded by a dedicated team of medical professionals in search of answers. So far, they’ve come up empty.
This isn’t a morbid farewell; rather, it’s a collection of thoughts and advice I want to share with you, just in case life throws us a curveball.
Embrace Family Love, But Know Your Worth
First and foremost, always remember that your immediate family—your mother, your grandparents, and some aunts and uncles—adore you unconditionally. You are unique to them, and the sooner you accept that, the easier it will be to grasp this truth: Not everyone will hold you in such high regard.
Despite any awards or accolades you might collect during childhood, life doesn’t hand out participation trophies. You will struggle with certain things, and that’s perfectly fine. Discovering your true talents takes time, and you won’t find them if everyone around you is falsely praising your every move.
You might see others receiving recognition for things they didn’t earn. This can lead to entitlement and arrogance, creating adults who believe they excel at everything. And trust me, that’s a fast track to embarrassing situations—just look up “Millennial Generation” for proof.
Your mother won’t call you the next great athlete if you hit .150 in Little League, nor will she dub you the next literary genius if you’re a C student in English. Focus on what you love and what you excel at, and nurture those gifts.
Think Before You Leap: The Internet Is Forever
As you enter your teenage years, please be cautious. You’ll face many temptations and challenges. You’ll make mistakes—that’s part of growing up—but try to keep them minor instead of major.
If you find yourself inebriated at a party at 17 (and I can assure you, you will), never consider driving. If you’re tempted to experiment with drugs (and you will), remember that not all substances are created equal—some can be extremely dangerous. And when it comes to relationships, if the opportunity arises, always be responsible.
You’re growing up in a digital age where everything is interconnected. Your online actions can have lasting consequences, far beyond what I experienced in my youth. So before you post something impulsive or engage in risky behavior, take a moment to think it through.
This Moment Is Fleeting, So Be Bold
I hope my previous advice doesn’t come off as overly cautious. It’s essential to exercise discretion, but don’t let that hold you back from living fully. The four years of high school will pass quickly, and soon you’ll reflect on them with a sense of disbelief.
If you think someone you admire is out of your reach, let them decide that rather than succumbing to your own doubts. It’s better to swing for the fences and miss than to never step up to the plate.
If someone challenges you, stand up for yourself. It’s better to endure a few bruises than to lose your self-respect. And if you’re hesitant to pursue something because it’s not popular, don’t let that stop you. The world doesn’t need you to conform; it needs you to explore your passions.
Ultimately, a significant part of your life will revolve around your work. Seek out a career that excites you, one that you can pour your heart into. Aim for fulfillment, not just a paycheck.
And remember the basics: study hard, stay active, eat your greens, and whatever you do, steer clear of becoming a Red Sox fan.
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In conclusion, Leo, life is a beautiful adventure filled with challenges and joys. Embrace it wholeheartedly.