Life is a process. We are all works in progress - green tomatoes ripening on the windowsill of life. As I experience more, learn more, and contemplate more, I often think of what use my discoveries might be to my son, Adam.
Several years ago I jotted down a list of advice for him as he left home to begin college. At the time I thought the list was fairly complete. But within a few days of presenting him with the 32 typed pages that became Life′s Little Instruction Book, I began to think of other entries I wished I had included. How could I have forgotten to mention "Never be the first to break a family tradition," or "Believe in love at first sight," or practical advice like "Get a flu shot" and "Never drive while holding a cup of coffee between your knees"? Obviously there was only one thing to do - start another list. I promised myself I wouldn′t send it to him until it reached at least 512 entries - one more than the original list. It took two years to complete.
Life keeps coming at me, and new insights and discoveries get caught in my net. Like a fisherman, I haul them up, sort the catch, and head for the harbor. It′s late and getting dark. But up ahead, standing on the dock, is a young man holding a lantern welcoming me. It′s my son, Adam.