Sometimes the best lessons that life gives are not about learning the right things to do, but rather learning from the things not to do. As a son, you can observe how your father handled situations, but it can be difficult to emulate his moves. Instead, it is more beneficial to watch what your father did and then avoid making the same mistakes he did.

I don’t necessarily want my sons and grandsons to follow the same life journey that I have traveled, as it has been a difficult and challenging road. Fellows, take the things you observed me do and know that they weren’t always the best way forward.

I’m sure you saw me do things that worked out well, and some were even grand, but those life lessons often came at a cost.

While I always wanted you to follow my lead and do things my way, I now realize that there are many ways to approach almost anything, and my way was just one way of making something work.

Never do something a certain way just because I did it that way. Choose your own path and don’t be afraid to fail sometimes, because it will happen. But give everything your best shot and hopefully, the good outcomes will outweigh the bad ones.

Remember the things you saw me do and always know that I believed it was the best way at the time. But when it wasn’t, I tried something different. Stay persistent until you find the right answer.

Always know that I have always loved you all.