DEAR TIMOTHY,

Dear Timothy,

There are been some things that have come up over the last year and even more recently that have me wanting to write this letter to you.

I know you are young and if you were to see me now, at your age, you would think that I'm old and out of touch.  Let me assure you, the things that I want to communicate to you, will pay off BIG time for you as you continue on through your life's journey.

Timbo, you are at a pivotal time in your life.  And although I can't turn back the clock to help you avoid some mistakes, pitfalls, choices and such (as I realize that each and everyone of the mistakes, pitfalls, choices and such, are what make up who you will become), I want to bestow some wisdom that my 51 years have brought me.

FIRST, don't sweat the small things.  Now, I know that it's tough to distinguish what is small verses what is BIG.  Emotionally, it all looks BIG.  Use this as your measure:  If it has anything to do with ANYTHING other than your family, it's small.

Next, pay more attention in school.  I know there will be subjects you either don't necessarily like or you don't understand as well, even in those situations, you can learn.  And while on the subject of learning, READ more!  Not just things about sports or....well sports, but broaden your thinking on subjects and people you don't know about.  You are going to hear this (and will say it over and over again) but READERS ARE LEADERS.

Right now, a BIG part of your thought process revolves solely around YOU.  What's in it for YOU?  How do YOU look to others (by the way, the hair, don't spend much time on it...trust me on this one)?  When you are facing decisions, BIG or small, think about the outcome that this choice will have on those around you.  Your classmates, friends, family and so on.

GO.TO.COLLEGE!  There isn't anything else to say.  FIND A WAY AND DO IT!  Not just for the diploma (that would be nice) but for the life experience that you will miss.

TAKE RISK.  Go ahead and skateboard down Ave. F on a circa 1976 board.  RUSH BRIDGE...yep, do that again and again.  Don't let your size, or whatever, limit you from going after your dreams.  I know it can be risky, but JUMP!  

In about 25 years, you are going to have an opportunity to talk to someone close to you and you will tell them to "leave it all on the field" so that they will not have ANY regrets when they are older.  Yep, you'll most likely have some regrets...but I guarantee you, you'll learn from them and be able to share with others about overcoming obstacles!

Take care of yourself, physically, mentally and spiritually.  

As you get older, you and others will have a tendency to be "CHASING THE SUN."  Relax. Life is not about ALL that you can conquer...in business or relationships.  Be intentional but also know that you have others that are looking to you...not to just provide for their physical needs but also their relational needs....which is far more important and richer.

Be kind to everyone.  You don't know what they are going through at any given time. Those you know right now, there will be a day when life is cut short for them.  

Get to know others intently.  Ask about their story and listen to what they have to say.  There is so much you can learn from them, because LIFE isn't JUST about you.  Get to know them and be a friend...at all times! 

Tim, so much more I can say but I'm going to leave it for now.  

Oh, that girl who moved from Holdrege to Kearney, treat her kindly.  She's going to be by your side for a LONG time...in good times and not so good times.  She will be taking care of you; holding you when things don't go so good; holding you when things go great.  She'll be your ALL AROUND CHEERLEADER....even when you blow it, she'll be there to pick you up and let you know that she believes in you.

Live your life to the full....NO REGRETS!

Sincerely,

Tim