Where does one even start when told they will have twins?
Knowing you are becoming a father is one of the most exhilarating emotions you can ever imagine. The feeling is one that is fully tangible. In a sense it tugs at the heart, instills an anchor so deep within the soul that kick-starts feelings in the body one never knew existed. You begin to interpret the world in a whole new origin. If you might be wondering I am 32 years ripe at the time of this letter. This letter is to inform you outright that the 2 coolest grown-ups in this world love you and are eager to see you both, however, not excessively eager because you need to continue developing in your mother’s womb!
Speaking of developing, you both are going to flourish into remarkable, history making, beautiful men. God bestowed on us a blessing of twins in the form of boys. Together as a family that serves the Lord we will love one another and be prosperous. Your first homework assignment is to Read Jeremiah 29:11. Follow that up with Isaiah 54:17. I declare both around you and on your life.
Gentleman you are going to be loved-feel love-and see love though you need to know daddy plays no games when it comes to listening, being polite, and displaying respectful manners. There is a time and place for having fun and there is a time and place to act right. Mom is our prized possession and our duty is to protect her and love her always and at all costs. The same goes for one another and for anyone in distress. There are a few simple values each of you must adhere to and never stray away from:
1. Love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.
2. Treat others how you wish to be treated its simple and easy to do. See no color, never tolerate racism, see only the hearts of people. Don’t judge anyone poor or rich.
3. Always always treat women with dignity. Date 1 girl at a time. Would you want a girl to date 2 guys at a time? Find and be loyal to a Godly loving wife such as your mom. These are few and far between.
4. There are protectors and there is prey. You are both protectors, it runs in your vein, and you protect always. No reason to start a fight but never turn a blind eye to evil. Confront it and drive it out.
5. Be competitive. If you are doing anything from a project, a job or any type of work, playing a game or sports, be the best and take no prisoners. Never be afraid to be the best at anything or everything. This world is not meant to give you handouts. Do not succumb to others who are inferior and try to have you compete at their level. Aim for a higher mark, take what is yours, and be gracious as you become successful.
6. Make money work for you. Never be a slave to money. DO this by doing what you love the most. For me it is coaching young men. This is exactly what the Lord puts in your mind and heart, it will tug at you just like the feeling when he sent me twins. Honestly being a father, I believe it is a calling as well. My father was never around but I promise you, I will be.
7. Seven is the number of completion. The Lord calls us to forgive 77x7. My boys whatever you start in life, ensure you finish it. No one cares about a half ass job or half eaten piece of pizza. If someone wrongs you or hurts you, completely forgive them. If you want to be an astronaut so be it, just make sure you fly to the fuckin moon. Start a season, finish the season. If you are the 12th man on the bench or the star, work as hard and cheer as hard for the entire team/teammates to succeed. This goes back to being competitive, hard-working- and doing the right thing. Carry yourself with class. Be complete, be completely successful but completely humble. You can be both even though the world will try to say otherwise.
If someone says no to your dreams or cuts you from a team be that person who admits failure & completely get back up, bounce back and plug away until you reach that goal. Have THICK SKIN!!! This helps in life tremendously. Brush off what anyone says about you or thinks about you. If you know yourself don’t mind what others think. Do not let someone else's insecurity stop you from being happy or achieving lifelong goals. This is how life goes, there is not an orange slice waiting for everyone. Separate yourself by going the extra mile, by being strong and knowing inside you can rely on yourself and that your family has your back. Simply be yourself in a world that will try to tell you all sorts of lies. Be a kid first then a man, all the while being a strong complete you! A Warren!
Just know there will be rules and boundaries in life and in our house (abide by them) if not there are things called consequences, people my age hate them, but both of you will be familiar with them, this will help in the long run.
Our house will have spankings, high fives, bruises, bumps, scars, laughs, highs, lows, dinner at the table, homework, sports on 24/7 and not much else because TV doesn’t have much else worthwhile on anymore. At home you will hear things like "suck it buttercup" but also things like "I love you" and “Good Job" mixed with terms such as responsibility, faults, and ownership. You will live up to mistakes and face wrongs and unequivocally the result will make you a better man for it. In a world where no one truly wants to take blame for anything, you will, because no one is perfect and real men know this, don't be fake, don't pretend.
Just know life, is unpredictable -twist here- turn there- fork here- laughs - even loss- just stay upbeat-be the difference that someone needs. Even if it is a smile, a simple thank you, or a big tip at lunch if a waitress/waiter needs it, trust your intuition and instinct, this is the moral compass inside us, feed the good side. Whatever it might be or in whatever form be a light in the darkness.
Be a man, be strong, be masculine, be all about sports, love steak, drink a beer, spit, fart, own guns, fix things. Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and Determination alone are omnipotent.
Society has turned into a touchy, fretful, sue at all costs society. Do not be anything like this era, be strong, be brave, not one person has time for your hurt feelings or a self-centered attitude. Be a leader, be a positive teammate. Time is the only true thing you have my sons. We do not know when that will come to an end, so use it wisely and use it stoically.
We love you - see you in August!
Go STL Cardinals!! STL Blues!!!
Go LA RAMS!!
Btw you have no choice in what professional teams you will love, sorry its non-negotiable. As for college, dad will be on a staff somewhere and you can fall in love with that team.
Think what amazes me personally and watching you as a father as well, is we might be better dads since we missed out.
Hey man I have to agree with you. On December 16, 2011 I became a father. After not having a father growing up I didn’t k ow what to expect. I didn’t know how a father was supposed to treat their kids, especially a girl. I know this world was very scary. I know that I vowed to my unborn child that I would be a better father than I had. I would do all the things I wanted a dad to do for me. So I completely understand and can wholeheartedly relate to this message. Now that I have a son as well.