A father's pact

On my first father's day, I have assembled my feelings, my love, and my courage.

I offer this pact as a commitment, contract, and implementation of my will to live and love.

To my child:

A gift I often feel I can never deserve. One that should be treasured. It would be unethical for me not to share such a special kind of gift.

I give to you consciousness.

With what's left of my life, I hope to learn from you.

Who I am will be nurtured and re-shaped by your choices, enthusiasms, interests, and dreams.

I promise to always support the direction you want to go.

I will not be absent from your life.

I will not withhold love and approval that you deserve.

I will not allow anything to be more important to me than your life and happiness.

I will not require of you any standard but simple self-respect and acceptance of me.

Should it ever be required, I will not deny you forgiveness of any error or damage.

I will lay down my life for yours.