Re-gifting

To my son Tommy,

Imagine you offer someone the greatest gift in the world.  They take it and throw it out or stomp on it or show utter dis-respect for it.  Would you try to give the gift to them yet again?  How often would you try?  How long would you keep trying?  How many times would you forgive them for throwing this gift away?

Not that you have ever discarded our gift of love, but as your parents we will give it again and again and again no matter what happens as long as we live.  Even if you outgrow us for a time, perhaps in your rebellious teenage years, we will still be there offering the same gift.  Even if you shun the gift again and again we will offer this again.  They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.  Though that holds true for most things in life, it doesn't hold true for the gift of love.  I wish your mother and I could claim this perseverance as our unique gift to you, but it permeates most every parent in the world and stems from Another's example.

Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo