Greatness

Dear Caden,

I have been mulling over this letter for awhile now, trying to figure out the best way I should write this letter. The answer is clear, as it always is. I will write this letter from my heart.

America recently exercised it's ability to come together and vote for our next leader, the President of the United States. Our country believes in democracy. This was not a given right, it is one that was fought for, prayed for and believed in. When our country was just beginning, men and women gave their lives to ensure this belief came to fruition and many men and women since, have spilled their blood to maintain our chance at true freedom. We are America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. Our freedom, sadly, was not free and we must never forget that. I pray I teach you to honor those in the in the military, to stand proudly with your hand over your heart during the pledge of Allegiance and anytime the American flag is passed in front of you. Be proud of your heritage, be proud to be an American for it truly is a privilege.

Right now our country is divided. Our economy is weak and many people no longer have morals or values.  Gone are the days of having a steady job and trying to better yourself by getting an education. People believe that everything should be given to them on a silver platter. That healthcare, housing, food and other amenities should be granted to them. We have the right to, "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." The key word is pursuit- we are not guaranteed happiness. So Caden, I want you to educate yourself, do something with your life. Make a difference in your world and always stand for what you believe in. Life is full of compromise, but you must never compromise your morals or ethics. In this house you will have chores, you will be expected to do your part. You will be expected to have manners and to treat everyone with kindness. You will be expected to be honest and you will donate your time to charitable causes with Mommy and Daddy. The house you live in is one of morals, values and love. I will be your friend, but I will be your mother first, and it is my responsibility to raise you into a good man. It will be a challenge as you will see other friends your age that have an easier life and may be given an easier road, but I have high expectations for you and I rise up and accept the challenge.

I do not believe that our country's faults can be fixed by electing one president over another. It would definitely make our country stronger and we would be more blessed if there was a man of integrity leading our great nation. Instead our country needs it's people to  look at themselves individually and take stock of their lives. Our beautiful nation is turning rotten to the core because people no longer care. I pray that you  reach out to your world and show them with your life and your actions, how amazing someone can really be. Show them what hard work and perseverance can do. Many people believe that only the corrupt move up in the world- prove them wrong. I believe that you can do anything that you set your mind to Caden. It may not always be easy, but that is life- play the cards you are dealt and play them to the best of your ability. Instead of clinging to the belief that if something goes wrong you are crippled in life, tell the world that this is just a stepping stone. All of us have baggage in our lives, find someone who loves you enough to help you unpack and move on. Your life, mistakes and all, is your story. How you choose to tell it is up to you. You can use it to help others or use it as a crutch. Be a true American and strive for the American Dream.

When you are of age to vote, I pray that you do. However, do not vote 'just because' and please do not vote without doing your research first. I will gladly help you do your research so that you can be educated. When you vote, stand by your choice. It is ok if you don't agree with my choice of who to vote for, as long as you know why you are choosing your candidate and can stand by your choice. Choose your candidate wisely, for the damage they can do can be great or the greatness and good they can do can change the world. Choose someone with integrity, morals and honesty- this is the hardest part. Sadly, most of the time neither party is completely honest and tells the public what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear. This is where your research comes in. You must dig deeper, you must look at who they are as a whole.  Remember that actions speak louder than words, and many politicians have the art of the silver tongue. The most important thing you can do while waiting to vote is to pray. Pray that God touches our country, that the chosen candidate- whether it is who you voted for or not- leads our country to greatness. They have a very tough job, and it is so easy for us to judge and throw stones when mistakes are made. All of us have made mistakes and hindsight is 20/20. Pray that our leader has a tender heart towards God and pray that God directs his steps. Ultimately God is in control. Make sure you pray the same prayer for you and your family. You, my dear Caden, will be the leader in your home. Make sure your steps are those of a strong and confidant man with a clear conscience and a tender heart.

So grow up Caden, but take your time and learn to play and enjoy the smaller things in life. I promise to do my best to help lead you to greatness. Be proud of your country, be proud of your life, be proud of yourself. Don't be afraid to be who you are, don't be afraid to believe. To make a change in this world we need a good leader, don't be afraid to be that leader. Stand for those that can't, make friends with those that are different. Show this world that good can prevail, that Hope is still alive. Be the difference, go out and change your world and lead us all to greatness.

Love,
Mommy