THE LETTER: Jim, Well, I have about the worst handwriting in the world, so I figured this would be the best way to say a few things.  First of all…..HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!  I can’t believe you’re 16….it seems like just yesterday you were just a tiny, little guy…wait a minute..you still are!!!  Just kidding, of course.  Seriously, you’ve done a heck of a lot of hard work to get where you are today.  Things may seem tough and confusing, well, they are, but that’s what being a teenager is all about.  You’ve got to remember; it was only 10 years ago that I was in the same situation as you.  It’s not easy, I know.  But, if you stay focused on what is really important: friends, grades, sports, and working hard, you’ll succeed without a doubt.    Anything worth having is worth working for and when I say work, I don’t mean the literal sense, of going to a job and punching a clock.  I mean, putting effort into, not giving up, standing up for yourself when you have to, but being man enough to accept things that are out of your control.  Those are all difficult things to do.  Because, just like me, you’re a stubborn man, which, isn’t necessarily bad, but it can cause problems if it’s not kept in check. After all, Jim, with everyday, you grow into more and more of a man and less of a kid.  That’s not to say that you have to let go of your childhood, don’t ever let go of that!  I haven’t and I certainly don’t plan on doing so anytime soon.    Whatever path you choose when you graduate is YOUR decision and nobody else’s.  While it may seem like a long time away, you’d be surprised how fast that time will go and before you know it, you’ll wonder where the years went.  Knowing you, you’ll have a solid plan by that time, so everything will be cool.  The choices won’t be simple, but ANYTHING that you need to help you through those decisions you just let me know and I’ll be there.   You give me crap because I don’t call enough, so you may not believe that I’m here for you.  Let me tell you something about that.  If you ever have a problem…a REAL problem, something that you need help with, I’m here for you.  I’m only a phone call away.  To be honest, I hate talking on the phone, that’s why I don’t call very often.  I only hate talking on the phone when there’s really nothing to talk about except the weather or the Packers, talking for the sake of talking is boring.  But, talking to communicate an issue, solve a problem or just being there to listen about things, is something that I can do.    You’re doing a great job right now man, and I’m really proud of you…seriously.  What you’ve done over the last few years, during all the turmoil is something that you’ll one day look back on with great pride, as it will make you into a stronger man.  That which does not kill us, only makes us stronger….don’t forget that pal.   I wish I could be there on your Birthday, but just remember to have fun and be safe.  You’ve no doubt realized by now that I didn’t get you a cell phone, a paintball gun or a car, I wish I could get you all those things, but you know as well as I do that’s not possible.  Anyway, here’s a little something for you to use as you see fit.  Get something you need…..or just blow it on something that you want, I don’t care as long as you like it.    I’m still planning on coming down on Sunday, September 16th thru the 18th, so I’ll see you then.  It’s not as far away as you think.  Take care pal and Happy Birthday!!!   Let me know if there’s anything that you need or I can help you with, please.   DAVE