April 30, 2020
Dear Maxo,
Who knew that the world would turn sideways and rob you of so many experiences in your final year of high school?
I know that you are disappointed. No rugby, no prom, no senior pranks, no official graduation ceremony, etc. I wish it were different for you. We are all having our moments lately dealing with the pandemic. Tomorrow is probable but never guaranteed. Live for today!
You will see that life sometimes throws curveballs and we have to learn how to hit them to survive.
I have experienced all sorts of challenges in my life. It sucked while I was in the rut. I promise you that they always pass. Looking back, I emerged stronger and wiser. Look for the lessons that life wants you to learn. It will help make sense of things.
I have no doubt your impact on the world will be huge. It already has. You have amazing self confidence and empathy. Your relationships are true - may they always remain that way. You go after what you want. You make things happen!
Your struggle as is everyone's - what do you want? Keep moving forward, and the path will open up for you. When you find yourself on the wrong path, stop- reverse - and restart! As long as you are in action, you will figure it out.
I spent most of my teenage years listening to music and playing guitar. Music became a way to escape. It brought me comfort and solace when times were confusing.
As you know, I was never someone who could sing. Despite this, song lyrics helped me make sense of things, helped me to think deeper, helped me realize I wasn't alone.
As a teenager (outside of basketball), I played my guitar every day. When I wanted to learn a new song, I dove into it. There was no Youtube, or guitar tabs back then. I would spend hours rewinding/replaying sections of songs on cassette tapes to figure out the complicated parts. It was such a sense of accomplishment when I finally did. I practiced all the time. Though I never felt it was practice. I just played. It made me happy.
When I started playing with friends, it was a rush to experience the music in a greater way - knowing I was part of creating harmonies. I could feel the music li
Over the years, I gained an appreciation for how music has been a constant soundtrack to my life. So many memories are attached to songs for me. When I hear a song from the past, it brings me right back to that time. These songs seem to be connected to the good feelings I had during those times - even when I was going through rough spots.
I know this has been a tough time for you. It seems you are finding the same solace playing your guitar that I did. It brings me great joy to listen to your playing and how good you are getting. It is obvious to me how much passion you have for it.
Dear Maxo,
Who knew that the world would turn sideways and rob you of so many experiences in your final year of high school?
I know that you are disappointed. No rugby, no prom, no senior pranks, no official graduation ceremony, etc. I wish it were different for you. We are all having our moments lately dealing with the pandemic. Tomorrow is probable but never guaranteed. Live for today!
You will see that life sometimes throws curveballs and we have to learn how to hit them to survive.
I have experienced all sorts of challenges in my life. It sucked while I was in the rut. I promise you that they always pass. Looking back, I emerged stronger and wiser. Look for the lessons that life wants you to learn. It will help make sense of things.
I have no doubt your impact on the world will be huge. It already has. You have amazing self confidence and empathy. Your relationships are true - may they always remain that way. You go after what you want. You make things happen!
Your struggle as is everyone's - what do you want? Keep moving forward, and the path will open up for you. When you find yourself on the wrong path, stop- reverse - and restart! As long as you are in action, you will figure it out.
I spent most of my teenage years listening to music and playing guitar. Music became a way to escape. It brought me comfort and solace when times were confusing.
As you know, I was never someone who could sing. Despite this, song lyrics helped me make sense of things, helped me to think deeper, helped me realize I wasn't alone.
As a teenager (outside of basketball), I played my guitar every day. When I wanted to learn a new song, I dove into it. There was no Youtube, or guitar tabs back then. I would spend hours rewinding/replaying sections of songs on cassette tapes to figure out the complicated parts. It was such a sense of accomplishment when I finally did. I practiced all the time. Though I never felt it was practice. I just played. It made me happy.
When I started playing with friends, it was a rush to experience the music in a greater way - knowing I was part of creating harmonies. I could feel the music li
Over the years, I gained an appreciation for how music has been a constant soundtrack to my life. So many memories are attached to songs for me. When I hear a song from the past, it brings me right back to that time. These songs seem to be connected to the good feelings I had during those times - even when I was going through rough spots.
I know this has been a tough time for you. It seems you are finding the same solace playing your guitar that I did. It brings me great joy to listen to your playing and how good you are getting. It is obvious to me how much passion you have for it.
My hopes for you and directions for you (after all, I will always be your dad) -
All I ever hoped for you is to be happy. Find ways to be happy within yourself.
I hope that you continue to play music throughout your life. It will always be there to pick up when you need it and when you want it. Remember, music brings peace and happiness to all who listen.
I hope you continue to find ways to grow your creativity - whatever that looks like: music, sports, what ever! Your creativity lives in your heart and fuels your spirit.
I hope you find your place in the world where you can share your unique gifts and talents in a positive way.
Nothing is going to come easy so you are going to have to work hard for what you want. Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy. Find ways to enjoy the journey you are on every single day.
Take the time to recharge your spirit on a regular basis. Appreciate nature and find ways to let it nourish your body and soul.
Finally, give of yourself whenever/wherever you can. The return on these efforts will be beyond belief!
Love,
Dad
“There is one way to learn, it's through action. Everything you need to know you have learned through your journey. You need to learn only one thing more.”
Paolo Coelho
Paolo Coelho
