My Dearest Children,
But I have had a year to think about this, and it’s been a rough year, and although I am acutely aware that there is no money, I have come to know that there are two banks in life. There is the bank where we stash our money. But there is also something I call the Life Bank. This is where we stash all we have learned from the experiences life affords us, and from this account, I can give you freely. Yes, I wish I was a lottery winner and could cut you all a check to make your lives a little easier, but what I can do is cut you a check from my life bank, and that is what I have done; the representation of which, you hold in your hands. Believe it or not, this, too, will make your life a little easier!
Let’s take a look, shall we?
The first gift you opened was a belt. Your late grandfather used to say that your education was like a pair of pants. You ought not leave home without them. I agree, and through a rather circuitous route, I got my pants. It has benefited me greatly, and I encourage you to go and do likewise. However, I would like to add one thing to my father’s advice and it is represented by this belt. Once you have your pants, you will need to keep them up. I’m afraid your start in life has not been one that has gifted you with many of the material things you may have wanted, and so it will be up to you to keep your pants up. There will be times of plenty, and times of lean, days of feast and days of famine. You will need to cinch it up a few notches at times, and let it out at times. Men, the design of your belts is to remind you that in times of adjusting the belt, whether for positive or negative, your challenge will be to keep your pants up with practical sensibility and style. Ladies, no matter how dire things become, you can still keep those pants up with beauty and flare. Never forget to be the women you are on the inside!
The second gift you have been given is a wallet. This is the place where you keep your cash money. How I wish I could present you with wallets that are already full. But as those of you who have already left home know, you are solely responsible for filling the wallet so that you can use what is in it. Fill it up – spend wisely. Guard your credit score NOW, it takes a LONG time to clear it up, and it will help you on your journey. You will have access to many more things if you can borrow money. Use those pants to get a good source of income for that wallet. If you find it full, open it freely to share with those in need. At the same time, remember even in times of plenty – there is never so much money as you think.
The third gift you have is a trouble light and tool kit. In it you will find a flashlight. Remember there is ALWAYS light. You carry it with you. It is always there, even if you are obscured in darkness. All it takes is the flip of a switch to shine that light within, and the darkness will dissipate. This switch is your mind and your faith. If you can change nothing else in your life, you can change your mind. You can change you attitude. The light of positive will light your way.
Within that kit are a number of other tools. There is the multi-tool, with which you are well equipped, so you can McGyver your way out of any situation. I’ve watched you grow and you all possess the capability of figuring out an honest way to get out of the rope that tangled you. Always remember to look around at what you have in your sphere of influence – “what do I have in my hand” - and fashion it into a solution for the problems you face. You are never without the tools to do this – they are right there inside your light.
The third part of this set includes a spoon and a fork. May you always have enough to eat, and ability to eat – “sitting on a mountain top or at a poor mans table”. And there are two utensils – always one to share.
The final gift seems oh-so-practical, and they are! But these PJs and slippers are to remind you to kick back! To live to the fullest, you must learn to relax and enjoy life. No matter where you find yourself, there should always be a time to sit back and rest. To slip into something more comfortable. To feel at home. To put your feet up. They say even God rested on the seventh day. Take the hint.
There is much more that I wanted to give you, but my wallet was empty. You’ll notice my belt is notched up several home-made holes right now. I have nothing of financial value to offer you this Christmas, but I have a lifetime full of experience to offer you in this advice. You may tap this bank any time you’d like, and despite what you may think about me, I did not just fall off the turnip truck. I have lived a lot in 46 years, and what I do have I give to you: All the love in my heart for you, my children, and these token reminders that I am just the jumping off point into your very own LIFE. Do not live mine – live yours!! With all the enthusiasm of youth, but take a little wisdom of your mom with you for good measure. I’ve taught you all I can in the short time that you have been mine to tend – but that’s all I can do is teach – it is you who must learn!
I am so thankful that you are all here with me today – for you are all my living legacy – a term I may overuse, but not without good reason. My purpose in life is to leave this place a better place than I found it, and you will carry that mantle, just by being the YOU that you were created to be. Find your place in the world and excel!
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