“And children seem to be a bond of union.” Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics
Moved by these words of Aristotle, I write here…
An Open Letter to My Child
Even your father can never tell you, because I cannot fully know, how good it is that you exist. You will ever be a mysterious wonder to me. Here is one thing, however, that I can tell you about yourself. You are a living bond. You bind me to your mother and your mother to me. By who you are; by your very existence.
You have not chosen this, nevertheless it is a truth about you. It is yours. And I cannot tell you how grateful I am.
It’s not because you look like both of us—though you do, and it always makes me smile.
It’s not because you act like both of us—which you do, sometimes in ways that make me blush.
It’s not because you love both of us—which is a gift beyond compare.
Perhaps it’s not even because we both love you—which we do with all our hearts.
I am not sure just why it is.
But this much I know: when I see you, I see not only you, but also your mother. No matter where you go, or what you do, your very existence will be a reminder, a sign of the gift that your mother has been to me, and that your mother and I have been one in love. And this is something no one can ever take from us, or from you.
Image: A daddy and his first daughter, a few years ago.
Aristotle (384-322 B.C.), student of Plato, tutor of Alexander the Great, has been considered by many to be the greatest ancient philosopher. The Nicomachean Ethics is his main moral treatise.
Husband, father, and professor of Philosophy. LifeCraft springs from one conviction: there is an ancient wisdom about how to live the good life in our homes, with our families; and it is worth our time to hearken to it. Let’s rediscover it together. Learn more.
Heart melted… a beautiful truth about our children!
Beautiful!
Beautiful. Every child should hear these words from their father.
Beautiful. Every child should hear these words from his/her father.
Patricia, Teresa, and Miriam, Thank you very much!
Thank you Dr. Cuddeback!
This is beautiful. Peace!
Now that I’ve found a tissue to wipe my tears, I will say that every grandmother knows this in the deepest recesses of her heart. Grandfathers know this, too, but don’t always allow themselves to say this in words. Thank you for sharing this, John.
Mrs. Pierce, Thank you very much for a grandmother’s perspective–one that is always precious and irreplaceable.
Reblogged this on Quidquid Est, Est! and commented:
A fantastic little meditation on Fatherhood. With Rosebud #2 on the way (due November 8), this really hits home.
Thank you, Dr. Cuddeback.
This is so touchingly beautiful… because it is true, and because as you hint at, it is such a mystery we can only wonder.
This truly brought me to tears because of it’s beauty and truth. My 47 year old son-in-law died recently, and their 4 beautiful, wonderful, sad and confused children are the permanent, visible reminders of the union of him and my daughter.
Yes, all children should hear this .. but better yet, know this as a truth.. even we 50 year old children. Thank you.
Perfectly lovely. My father died on my ninth birthday–fifty years ago last month. But I am still left with his love which you have so beautifully described. Thank you, John.
Talca, Thank you so much for sharing. What a gift: to bear the gift of his love for so long.