Monday, January 12, 2022
Dear Jake,
Once upon a time, when your dad and Aunt Ashley were about your age, I started writing them notes. I wrote on just about anything I could find – paper plates, napkins, old envelopes, scraps. When I finished the notes, I would leave them by their cereal bowls or in their school backpacks and lunch boxes when I left for work in the morning. Sometimes I would leave them on or under their pillows at night, so they could read them just before they closed their eyes. I love to write, Jake – and I have loved it since I was a young boy. I like playing with words the way you like playing with Legos. I like the way they look and the way they sound when read aloud. Most of all, I like creating with them – putting them together in different ways to make the people who read them feel (or stop and think about) things that maybe they’ve never felt or thought about before. It seems I have a gift for doing that, because, as you probably have noticed by now, I see and interact with the world a LITTLE differently than most people! In the case of my notes to your dad and Aunt Ashley, I wanted my words to encourage them when they had to find the courage to do hard things, to comfort them when they were sad or discouraged, to congratulate them when they accomplished a goal in school or in the activities they enjoyed. Most of all, I wanted them to know that I loved them, that I was proud of them, that I believed in them, and that I would always be there for them. I’m not sure what became of those little notes, but I hope the words and sentiments they carried with them made a home in your dad’s and Aunt Ashley’s hearts – and still live there today.
I want you to know ALL of those things too, Jake – that I love you, that I’m proud of you, that I believe in you, and that I will always be here for you. But, that’s not the reason for this letter. I’m writing to tell you a secret. It’s clear that God has blessed you with lots of gifts for all the world to see. You are smart, creative, curious, funny, a great reader, and, of course, a Junior Lego Master – to name just a few. The thing is: He’s also given you another gift that the world can’t see, but I do. It’s a very rare and precious gift. You are a Noticer. Without having to be told, your heart senses when other hearts are in need – of comfort, kindness, friendship, a word of encouragement, a smile, or just a good old-fashioned hug – and you intuitively know how to pour what’s needed into those hearts. Better yet, you do it enthusiastically! That’s because you also are a Giver. It comes with the gift of noticing. They’re kinda like a combo meal! How do I know you have these gifts? Part of the reason is, I’ve already seen you display them – time and time again. I saw them when, in anticipation of an upcoming visit with Aunt Ashley, your first thought was, “Mom, have I hugged Aunt Ashley yet?” I saw them on a sidewalk outside Taco Lucha the weekend we celebrated your 6th birthday, when your friend, Lyla and her mom came out of the restaurant unexpectedly. And, I saw them in the way you loved Aunt Ashley at her wedding, and talked and danced with her friend, Demitrus, who was all by herself. I also know because, like of our love of Cane’s chicken fingers, Freddy’s fries, apple everything, CFA chicken minis, pasta, and all things cheese and bread related, we share the gifts of noticing and giving.
You have a special heart, Jake. There are very few like it. And, because hearts like yours and mine are so rare many people won’t be able to see it, let alone recognize or appreciate just how special it is. But, take my word for it: Those who do and, more importantly, those who are touched by it will be richly blessed – as you are to have it. I encourage you to take good care of that heart, to nourish it the way you nourish your body, to listen to its quiet whispers, and, most of all, to continue to share it – joyfully – with others. If you do, I promise you you’ll be in for quite an adventure!
With All My Love,
Papa Don xoxo
P.S. I’ve enclosed a story I wrote when I returned from our birthday visit (“No Ordinary Hug”) that might help you understand a little bit more about my experiences with The Gift.
P.S.S. Please excuse the typing. I wanted to hand-write this letter, but my handwriting is kinda terrible these days and hard for even me to read. :)!
donblackwell 