What’s good Young Bull?

You need to know that you’re very lucky to have the mommy and daddy that you do. You’re not born yet, but they love you very much.

Be Strong: You should know that life is not easy, at any point. You need to be able to protect yourself and those around you. The world will never let up, and neither should you. This comes in many forms, and I hope that one day we live in a world where people don’t have to worry, but for now we do. Take care of people.

Be Gentle, Especially With Yourself: There won’t always be sunshine. Never apologize for being sad. Old people yearn for younger days, but they forget how life-or-death the first day of school felt. Enjoy the easy days, and respect your own melancholy. Even rocks show cracks. Never apologize for being a human. Enjoy your days lounging in the sun. They help you recharge to get up and put the helmet back on.

Be Generous: You’ll never know exactly how much you mean to other people. Be cunning enough to know when you’re being taken advantage of, but never hesitate to give real help to someone, be it material, emotional, or intellectual. This is not for your own benefit but your own pride, knowing that you do the right thing because it is the right thing.

Accept Generosity: Never see those you love helping you as a sign of weakness. Take pride in how many people in your life want to help you. It is a mark not against but for your character. It is a wonderful thing. Not everyone has so many people in their corner.

Fall in Love Every Day: I don’t care what it is. Find something: a person, a process, an animal, I don’t care what it is. If you don’t find love in things then we’re all just chimps that learned how to shave (my personal jury is still out on that, and I’ve yet to make a decision, but I hope you find safer harbors than my own).

Love the One You’re With: This won’t make sense for a while but don’t rush into relationships. People aren’t things. Some might tell you you’ll just know when your partner is the right one, but this depends on the work you put in. Never stray from the hard conversation. Take your time to decide, but when you commit, don’t be a wuss about it.

All of this boils down to fighting so hard because you love so much. The samurai returns home and practices calligraphy. Don’t put the helmet on for the sake of destruction, but to preserve, to build. Be a builder in every sense of the word: build the people around you, build the community around you, build the larger society around you. Build the world around you. If everyone swept in front of their own house door the world would be a good place. It’s not easy. That’s why the world is the way that it is. Please try your best to sweep your own door and help your neighbor. The adults in your life will do their best to get you ready for that task.

All the love,
Sean Quinn