515 Birthday Letter For Fatherless Twins
Dear Sally and Christian,
I am tremendously honored to write this letter, yet painfully grieved to have to do so.
Today, as twins, you both turn 13 and as you know; it was my tradition to write a letter to Clothgirl and Clothboy on the day they became teenagers. It seems like a good thing for any father to do for his children; however, because your Dad, my buddy, passed away last year, he certainly can’t write this letter. (If he did, it would probably freak us all out!) Thus, your Mother has asked me to step in and write it for him.
It is appropriate that I mention your Dad at the outset of this letter. You may not be able to see him, but he still is your Dad and he is still in your life. In fact, I guarantee you will see him more often than you can imagine in the things you do and say. (You’ll especially see him in your older brother; dude, he is your Dad!) Like me with my Dad and my kids with me, sometimes you’ll be glad to see your Dad in yourself and sometimes you won’t. But he’s there; embrace him.
As of today, childhood is behind you. The only thing standing between you and adulthood are your teen years. The choices you make during these years will determine much of who you will be as an adult. So choose wisely young friends. Here are some suggestions I’d like to pass your way.
Love your Mom. Most kids have two parents to direct their hormonal frustration out on, and even then it is almost more than we parents can absorb. You have only one. There is no mother on this 3rd rock from the Sun who loves her children more than your Mom. There’s no mother who is trying harder to be a good Mom than yours. Hug her and kiss her when you appreciate her. Hug her and kiss her when you don’t. You’ll be glad your whole life if you do.
Love your Father. Dustin is your Dad but God is your Father. In making those big teen choices don’t forget to ask for and respect your Father’s input. Remember these words, “This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike, ‘What’s next, Papa?’ God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children” (Romans 8:15-16).
Date late. Lord willing, you’ll have your whole life to be married; don’t spend your teen years playing married. Dating complicates everything, usually robs something and rarely gives anything. Have friends who are boys/girls, but please avoid boyfriends/girlfriends.
Have legal fun. I’m all for fun that sometimes pushes the limit, but illegal “fun” is only trouble.
Be honest. Want maximum freedom as a teenager? Be honest. “The truth will set you free.”
Other stuff. Be who you are, not popular. If you have to hide it, get rid of it. Take risks, experiment, do some things that scare you. Be kind more than right. Take your hat off at dinner. Remember your life will look like your room. Give a firm handshake with eye contact. Always give your best; don’t quit. And drive safe – especially on icy roads.
Happy Birthday! I love you both and am already proud of who you are.
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