Oh Sweet Liam, do you know that I heard about children watching the Presidential candidates...but I never thought that it would be you or your brother. I didn't think you would even know or understand about it, as you are only 6 years old. It happened though, here in our little Maine house, where peace and kindness prevail. You had just finished watching a Sunday morning cartoon on the little TV in the kitchen. You could sit at the dining room table, color and then glance up to watch your show. Your show ended, I was busy, and I didn't get to the TV quick enough to shut it off. One of the Sunday morning news shows came on. When I turned the corner, there you were standing by the counter, listening to Mr. Trump. I took this quick I-phone snap and then promptly turned the TV off. Honestly, I was surprised..first of all by the fact that you knew who he was and secondly that you and your friends talked about him and the others candidate at school. You also asked me if I liked Mr. Obama and I told you that I did. So we sat that morning, just for bit, and we had a little chat..me trying to keep it very low key and you just being curious about the people that you and your friends were exchanging conversation over. It is a very big election year and already you are taking an interest.
I've been thinking a lot about this Liam and how I would have liked to have told you about each person that we were talking about..but I know the facts and the problems they are trying to solve are not something that you can really understand at your young age. What I am happy about is that you find it important enough to ask questions and I know your Mommy and Daddy and Papa and I would always answer any questions you have, about most anything in your little life, that you think needs answers or that you want more information about...Your a very smart boy and when Jaxon gets a bit bigger, he's going to be really, really smart also. I'm so happy he's going to have you to talk to about all the things that will make him curious, no matter what they might be..
So, if I could sit you both down and tell you what I think, I wouldn't talk about the election or the people in it. Someday that will be your job to figure out as you grow and want to make the world, your world. You will know when you get big enough what is important for both of you. I already know though, that you and Jaxson will most especially want to save the earth and Mother Nature...you do love to be out in the woods and you love all the creatures that roam there. The flowers are especially special for both of you...and walking and running, free of traffic is so much fun. So, I think we are all on the same page there. More importantly, I hope as you travel through your world each day, you take with you all the lessons that all of us who love you, have taught you.
You know about how "nice matters"...in the Maine house, not very far from that little TV, is a sign that says that. A long time ago, when you were really little, we talked about that, you and I. How it's so important to not hurt anyone's feelings and not to make fun of people that are different than we are. Sometimes when you and Jaxson get upset, Papa and I tell you to try to think of how the other person would feel if you weren't nice to them. You guys are so good to each other and that is really important as you grow and become best friends. One big thing that is really important is to never, ever be a bully. I asked you if you knew what that meant and you said you did. Good for you..Don't be a bully but don't let a bully, bully you either. Also try not to say mean things because words really do matter. Remember how it makes you feel when someone says they love you and that you are good and kind. Share those kinds of words and leave the mean words in your pocket...I know when you and Jaxson tell me that you love me...it makes my heart sing. Isn't it the nicest gift to know that you can make someone's heart sing..and if someone needs help, you be there to help them, not because you need to, but because you want to. By helping someone else, your really helping yourself. I love it when you, and Jaxson now, help me carry bags in from the car...because I hurt my hand when I fell off my bike..and it makes me smile when you both help Papa in the yard and down in the workshop...I know he sneaks you a few dollars but that's o.k. You deserve it because you boys are such a big help. Being kind and helpful, speaking words of love and singing happy songs is what I want for you and my buddy Jaxson. Mostly though I want you to remember what I think is really important.
We don't know who will win this election yet..but soon we will. What I can tell you though, is that I will pick the person that I think is the best example of what I would want for you and Jaxson. I want you both to know that words matter, kindness is a way of life, loving everyone is important and high moral standards are a good thing. You should also know that sometimes that is a hard thing to do but always, no matter what, you stand on your principal and pride. Don't ever win by being mean and don't follow a bad lead. When I think of this election, I think of who I would want to be a role model for you. I want someone that believes like Papa and I do..I want a person that really is good to people and tries very hard to help them. Mostly I want you to always stand for your own principle, because if you excuse bad behavior it really means that your the same as the person who is doing the bad behavior. Bad behavior and making fun of people can never be justified. Bad behavior is bad behavior and it tells you what kind of a person you are really dealing with. I know this is a lot for a little 6 year old to think about right now, so I'm going to put this letter away for you and Jaxson. Someday, no matter what happens, I want you both to know how proud we are of you and Jaxson and all the goodness you bring into our lives and the lives of all the people you connect with everyday..and someday you will know that even if the person we want to win doesn't, it's o.k. because we win anyways...we win because we will vote with our conscience and a moral compass that will never let us stray..you can't say the words if you don't demonstrate the action. I know as you were watching TV that day...you are also watching me and Papa and your Mom and Your Dad everyday...and we would never let you down. Always go for the person who has kindness in their heart and goodness in their soul...you will know who they are by the way they act and treat other people and by the words they choose.
I love you Liam and Jaxson....I know you will always take the kindness train. I hope the tracks have already been laid in your heart...honestly, you guys are the best and each day you go out in the world delivering sunshine to everyone who crosses your path...you are the future...I'm feeling very good about that.
"No man is an Island...to fight the good fight, we need help." Paulo Coelho