Daddy, Can you ______ me ______?

You just asked me if I can buy you more toys. I think it's because I bought you toys yesterday out of the blue. I thought we did a good job of making your gift binder, but I might have ruined that with my actions yesterday. I'm sorry. It's not that we can't afford to buy you anything you want. You won't understand it until you're older probably. It's because we shouldn't buy you anything you want.

Scarcity gives things meaning. As does the opposite. If you always get what you want, what will happen when you finally don't? They say that "friction" is an important part of your development. Making your life easy can have negative impacts in the long run because you won't be able to figure your way out of complex or difficult situations. It seems like you understand that it's okay to lose, but that applies to things you may not want to lose as well. Anyhow, I'll try to reset your desire for buying things. However, if you want me to print something for you, that I can always do...

Happy Days

I hope that all your days are happy, but that's probably unrealistic. I'll settle for you having more happy days than unhappy ones. I'll try my best to sacrifice my own happiness and do whatever I can to make sure you get as many happy days as possible. The only exception is if your happy days is a bad thing. I'm sorry, but if doing the right thing or giving you a happy day are the choices, I will probably have to do the right thing. Sorry.

I hope you never have to make tough choices in life, but that's probably unrealistic. I hope that when the choices is made, you do the right thing, even if it doesn't benefit you. Principles and morals are hard things to hold true to in this world. I imagine it will only get more complicated for you. Until then, enjoy the happy days.

"Graduations"

The first of many. I don't recall if we had one at Merryhill or not. You did good. Much better than at Cha's 25th anniversary. Anyhow, I'm sorry you don't get to go to Edna Batey next year. It's unfortunate, but it is what it is. Who knows, maybe you don't want to go, but we didn't ask and you're probably intimidated by a new environment. Fortunately, it's only another year. Your cousin Aiden seems to be adjusting well. I wonder if we will or need to enroll you in tutoring. I think you're pretty smart already...three twos is six...#numberofblueberriesyoulleatfordaddynottobesad

I'm sorry you didn't get a graduation bag, but you didn't graduate. I hope you understand that you can't always get what you want. You tell me that it's okay to lose, but I wonder if you only do that when it's okay for you. Same goes, it's okay to not always get presents. If you always get them, they'll lose their meaning. In life, expectations can mess up your reality. I hope you don't let that happen to you. *pray*

Father's Day 2026

Thanks for making me a Father. I have to be honest and say it's not something I expected or ever wanted to do, but you make doing it a little easier (most of the time). I truly believe it wasn't your choice to be here, so I have to give you some grace when you're difficult. But since you are here, and it's partly my fault that you're here, I will make your life as great as possible.

I'll try to work and fit into this shirt better. I'll try to stay alive for as long as you need me. I'll try not to be a burden on you. I'll try to give you whatever you need to be a successful member of society. Being a father and you being a person are both firsts for us. It's important that we work together to help each be the best version we can. Cheers to another Father's Day.

Karma

I did used to make fun of your cousin Evan when he was "playing soccer". Anyhow, it's good for you to stay active and find out what you like and what you're good at. We don't need you to become the next Messi or Ronaldo, but it couldn't hurt for your own future.

Again, you're very lucky. Daddy and mommy did not have the luxury of exploring things when we were growing up. I really hope you take a liking to golf. It'll be great way for us to spend time together and give mommy her own time. And you're lucky that we can afford to golf. I was golfing with a guy that enjoyed golf as a kid, but they couldn't afford it. He regrets it.

Juneteenth

We both didn't get the day off, but we did get to spend extra time together. Mommy went to church for a long time. That meant more time for Vinh to color with Daddy.

Good thing I got more tape. It's a great example of how lucky you are. I don't expect you to act grateful all the time, but you probably should understand sooner than later that your actions have consequences. I keep telling you that it's okay to feel your feelings, but it's not okay to act out how you act out. These walls could be bare and you could have no toys...

What To Eat?

You're already checking the fridge for food. Yet, you don't eat enough. I saw a picture of your Uncle Peter's twins. They turned 1 year old today. I think they're probably bigger than you. Crazzzzy. Luck is not on your side when it comes to your parents. It's important that you get enough nutrition in order to maximize your height potential...

Anyhow, you peed your pants last night. I vacuumed and cleaned your room and my office. I had to wash all the sheets and pillow cases and blankets. I do that normally, but had to do it today because I didn't know what items you actually soiled and didn't want you sleeping in that. Smells kinda like corn, weird. It's crazy that you peed the one day you didn't wear a diaper. All cause your butt is sweaty. You're gonna have to wear a diaper tonight...