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Dear Joshua:

Congratulations, son! Today you have graduated High School and, by proxy, have completed the first phase of your life and are now transitioning to adulthood.

The road to this point has not been easy for you; you've had trials and tribulations that have made navigating your teen years rocky and confusing, more than more. You have laughed, loved, suffered heartache and confusion and I have laughed, loved, and cried with you through the years. Despite all adversity you have pulled through and grown into a very fine young man.

There are many points of your life that I remember with great fondness, admiration, and pride. I remember the pride on your face when you first learned to stick a straw into a juice box; I remember with great glee your antics in lego league when the team had to plan out what to do with a "mystery cup," and I will always remember with love the peace and tranquility that come over your entire being when you play the Horn. There were negative times too, of course, but they are easily outshone by the good.

With this stage of your life complete it is time to look forward as to what may lie next and I am excited to see the possibilities that are laid out in front of you. I believe you will find your own way. You are not one to hack, slash, and brutalise your way through life; rather, you'll be sly and rely on much charm and natural wit, of which you have plenty. Regardless of where the roads may take you, please allow me one last attempt at being 'dad' and offer some advice that, I hope, will serve you for many years to come.

• Be proud of yourself.
• Always reach for better than what you are.
• Don't settle for anything.
• Find a woman who makes you happy, then make her happy.
• Keep playing music.
• When you meet someone, shake their hand firmly. Look them in the eyes.
• Always introduce yourself to new people. "I am Joshua. It's nice to meet you."
• Repeat this to yourself once every day: "I am Joshua Wiebe."
• When out with your friends, always be the first to offer a toast with the first drink.
• Wash. Daily. Good Christ, man, shower.
• Wear good clothing. Take pride in your appearance.
• Laugh a lot.
• Don't drink and drive.
• Take up a hobby.
• Sing like no one is listening.
• Do not ever be in a hurry to make a decision. If someone is pressuring you to make an immediate decision, the correct answer is probably "No."
• Think first, speak second. Sometimes do not speak at all. Know the difference.
• Never make a decision when angry.
• Learn to cook properly.
• Work hard, then play hard, in that order.
• Fly a kite on windy days.
• Ride your bike on calm days.
• Build a snowman in the winter.
• There is nothing wrong with wearing a tie to work.
• Get a dog. Or a cat. Despite any bad days you may have, they will always be happy to see you.
• Grow a vegetable in the spring and summer. For you, I suggest okra.
• Learn to harvest it and cook it.
• Read poetry.
• Write poetry.
• Learn to spend time without electronics.
• Do not have regrets. There are no do-overs.
• We can not always choose what happens to us in life, but we are always in control of how we react to it.
• Know that you have two parents who love you very much, and who still wish you were five years old.

Navigating life does not get easier. There will be times when you look back and wish for "the simple things" again. When you do, I hope you think of laughter, games, smiles, and hugs. It is my sincerest hope that I have taught you as much about life as you have taught me; you have been in my life for 18 years now, I have loved you since before you were born, and I am definitely a better man for it all. For that I thank you, son.

As you look forward and begin to plan your next steps and find your way know that I will be here to help, to guide, and to offer advice. I am very proud to be your father.

Love,
Dad

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(c) All images and photographs, unless otherwise specified, are created and owned by me.
(c) Victor Wiebe

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About Me

Amateur photographer. Wannabe author. Game designer. I dabble a little in a lot. General all around problem-solver and creative type.

Founder of Photo 52 weekly photography competition.

Expert generalist. Jack of all Trades.

Dad.

Tags I Use

Photography
#photo52	#pinhole	#altphoto	#crappycameraphotos
Lego
#spaceforce3