A Letter To My Son On His Eighteenth Birthday

My Dearest Keene,

On April 30, 2021 you will turn 18, the Age of Majority in Canada, an entrance into adulthood. Being an adult comes with freedom and responsibilities that you will not have experienced before. You will be free to make your own decisions; and you will be entirely responsible for the consequences that follow from your decisions.

I hope that under our guidance (mommy and daddy) we have prepared you to be a free and responsible adult. I have watched you grow up from the day you were born, an opportunity that I never had with your older brothers, and this experience filled me with so much joy and happiness. I am so glad that you were born to us.

Soon you will be leaving home for University and I am going to miss you immensely, but I also know that it’s what you need in your life. A good education and an experience of living on your own are essential ingredients in preparing you for a successful life.

I have given you all the love that I could possibly give in your childhood. I believe that you have gained a sense of security and trust from my love for you. I have noticed your confidence in yourself and a sense of purpose in whatever you choose to do. I want you to cultivate that trait even further. Always keep a level head on your shoulders. Don’t be afraid of hard work. Always be curious about your environment- read widely because knowledge builds confidence.

Always remember that you have me in your corner, and you can always confide in me no matter how shameful the matter may be. And you can be sure that sometimes you will do things that you are not proud of. When that happens, acknowledge your mistake and do better next time. Live a life of constant improvement in all aspects.

I wish you a happy birthday on your Age of Majority my son.

With love,

Dad