In July 2008, the journalist David Carr saw his daughter Erin off to London for her first real job out of college. Erin had struggled in the previous years. She had the beginnings of a drinking problem. She didn’t always date the best guys. But she never had to wonder if her father loved her deeply.
When Erin landed in London, a letter from her father was waiting in her email inbox. It’s the kind of letter a great parent writes, the kind that in David’s case—due to his tragic and unexpected death at age fifty-eight— would guide his daughter long after he was not around. The letter opens: Honey, we are so, so excited for you.
Please understand that you carry with you not only our love and support, but our admiration and pride in your decision to bring your ambitions roaring into the world.
Make sure your kids know that no matter what, they are loved, they are supported, they are accepted, they are enough. Make sure they know that no matter where they go, they carry your love and support and pride with them.