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.
