Yesterday, my son turned 18 years old and I wanted to write something for him to always remember in his journey throughout adulthood: Becoming an adult grants you freedom that you didn't have before as a child but with freedom comes responsibility. As you're free to move around the world without dependency, you're tasked with being accountable for your actions and no one will accept excuses of naivety.
Our youngest son is struggling right now. I will send this to him. Thank you. I'll bet everything I have that this young man has a strong example of someone to look up to. Sometimes our children give birth to us as well. Congratulations to both of you.
Absolutely wonderful, Adam. If only every young man entering adulthood could hear and believe these words. I am sure you have been laying the foundation for this for many years as your son was growing up. He is a lucky man to have such a strong base from which to launch into independent life.
Adam - man, this was fantastic. I wish I had sent my son something like this when he turned 18. I verbally gave him some or much of the same advice over a period of time, but the discipline of writing it down in a coherent manner in one place is the better way. I just forwarded your column to him with these additional words…
“ PS - Here are a couple of thoughts I will add to Mr. Coleman’s comments about being confident:
There is a fine line between confident and arrogant. It’s important to stay on the confident side of that line. Arrogance and haughtiness will draw the wrong kind of people to you and it will draw you towards the wrong kind of people. Always remain humble. And be confident in your real abilities and knowledge. Assess yourself and your abilities honestly and fairly, but also never underestimate what you are capable of. The key to achievement is having a mission, clear direction to follow, and unrelenting hard work. L, Dad”
What a blessed Young man to have a wise father present and active through out his life.
Thank you for all the parents that may have a chance to read this letter to your son. I pray it will truly motive and inspire many other fathers to be a light in their own sons' lives.
Bless you and your wife for your dedication to truly educate your son in what truly matters in life.
This is incredibly thoughtful. What a blessed young man to have you guiding his path. Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure
Our youngest son is struggling right now. I will send this to him. Thank you. I'll bet everything I have that this young man has a strong example of someone to look up to. Sometimes our children give birth to us as well. Congratulations to both of you.
Thank you. I hope this article helps him.
It goes too fast. I look at my kids (19 and 23) and say “wait wasn’t I just reading you a story before bed?”
lol you're right
Love it!!!!
Absolutely wonderful, Adam. If only every young man entering adulthood could hear and believe these words. I am sure you have been laying the foundation for this for many years as your son was growing up. He is a lucky man to have such a strong base from which to launch into independent life.
Thank you. Yes, I've been slowly preparing him for all of this.
Well said
Your words make an 18th birthday gift your son will always cherish.
Great advice 🙏🏻
Adam - man, this was fantastic. I wish I had sent my son something like this when he turned 18. I verbally gave him some or much of the same advice over a period of time, but the discipline of writing it down in a coherent manner in one place is the better way. I just forwarded your column to him with these additional words…
“ PS - Here are a couple of thoughts I will add to Mr. Coleman’s comments about being confident:
There is a fine line between confident and arrogant. It’s important to stay on the confident side of that line. Arrogance and haughtiness will draw the wrong kind of people to you and it will draw you towards the wrong kind of people. Always remain humble. And be confident in your real abilities and knowledge. Assess yourself and your abilities honestly and fairly, but also never underestimate what you are capable of. The key to achievement is having a mission, clear direction to follow, and unrelenting hard work. L, Dad”
Thank you and thank you for sharing it with your son.
Excellent!
Congratulations. Please tell your son "welcome to the fold." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INu0VrwkB0k
What a blessed Young man to have a wise father present and active through out his life.
Thank you for all the parents that may have a chance to read this letter to your son. I pray it will truly motive and inspire many other fathers to be a light in their own sons' lives.
Bless you and your wife for your dedication to truly educate your son in what truly matters in life.