Happy Birthday Mitchell and Harrison

*Forever Young: Left Photo: Harrision (L) and Mitchell (R) - Right Photo: Mitchell (L) and Harrison (R) (Spring/Summer 1996)

by Michael Corthell

BRIDGTON, Maine — February 14, 2017 — Lark's Haven.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! The first thing I want to say is that I miss you. I miss the time when you were little and called me Daddy. I miss being with you every day to show you things and to teach you. I miss watching Arthur and even Teletubbies with you. 

I miss you needing me to teach you to get dressed and to tie your shoes. I miss going grocery shopping and having you with me. Do you remember running to the coffee isle to smell the coffee beans? lol And I remember you both bugging me for Nestle chocolate milk at the check-out.

I think of those days, every day, as I go through my day now. But don't get me wrong, these are happy memories. I am not sad that they have gone by, because I know it is just the way of life. Children grow (and we all grow older and wiser - I hope!)

I loved to take care of you. I didn't care about the diapers, the laundry or the cooking either. Every day was a happy adventure to me - watching you grow and learn. When I woke each day I didn't just think 'carpe diem'. I thought ''seize this day AND hold on to it'' — tightly, because I knew that it would slip through my fingers and be gone forever.

But, like your brother Ryan says to me now when I ask, ''How is everything going?'' he says, ''It's Groundhog Day,'' meaning that every day is about the same. Sunrise and sunset day after day, a routine and then it is gone. I told Ryan to seize the day too and to hold fast, but his days too, with Mr. Max and Miss Rylee, will slip away into the past. The best advice I can give to him, and to you both is to remember. Remember well, the time spent with your children, and with anyone you love for that matter.

Before I sat down to write this birthday letter I poked around in some of our many photo albums. Good memories. (make sure one or all of you curate these). So make sure you take plenty of photos starting in July, Mitchell.  Use the technologies we have today and record your memories, you have but once chance.

Do you guys remember going to Exeter Day School? Back and forth to Exeter twice a day in our blue mini-van. Remember the day I was stopped for speeding? (35 in a 20 mph zone) You were really upset with me! I thought it was pretty funny (that you were angry, not my speeding).

Another thing I want to mention is how grateful I am to be your Dad. Ryan's mother and I divorced when he was only two (that was my fault - just to be clear). So, I didn't get to raise him. I am so grateful that I was allowed to help bring two new lives into this world. I knew it then and certainly fully realize it now, that I was given a second chance to be a good Dad. I seized on that also, and tried my very best not to let you down. I love Ryan as much as I love you both but at that time could not show it.

I love you both, I love all three of you, my dear sons. My grandchildren have started to arrive (Hi Mr. Max and Miss Rylee!) and I love them the same. Another arrives in July, (I hope July 4th!) who I also love the same.

Over the course of the next 30 years or so that I am alive, many changes will take place on our little world. All of you will be part of that change and I am looking foreword to watching and enjoying your lives unfold.

Yes, this letter is your birthday 'card' but I think this letter is more for me than for you all. I always have had the need to be understood and I do try to be clear, but often have not succeeded. This time I have.

As you all know I'm writing a 366 day book called ''Living Wise Day by Day'' which is simply what I have learned about living through wise, positive thought. It is what I have absorbed gradually through trial and nearly tragic error and now have come to understand well enough, to teach.  It will be published this Fall. I write daily and post it here.

I am also writing another book titled, ''Positive Life'' which will be published sometime in 2018. It is a self-help book, and it too is being written daily (or semi-daily). I store it here. It will have an online teaching course to go with it. These two products are to be my professional legacy. I say 'professional' legacy because really and truly, all of you are my legacy. I love you so, so much and I am very proud to be your Dad.

Finally, you should know that I have really and truly found happiness. My life has been a long and convoluted road of self-induced pain but more importantly, self-discovery. I want you to know that the only reason that I survived to find the happiness, I now share with my dear wife Caroline, is Faith.

The Faith that I'm talking about is a rock solid belief in God, our Creator. I believe that I was born with it, and I am fortunate in that regard, for many — far too many— are not. It was undeveloped Faith but it gradually took hold of my life. I never gave up, even though many times I wanted to (but now know that I wasn't allowed to). Faith, my love for people and my curiosity have guided my whole life.

All of you, share this deep faith and have good human hearts. Your souls have a goodness that shines. You are not to argue this point with me. I just know it to be true.

I have a lot more advice, but I think that it is better that you just live your lives the best you know how. All of you will make our world a better place, I know that to be true also.

I love you and I want you to be secure in the knowledge that I am with you always and forever.

Love,

Dad

February 14, 2017

Lark's Haven, Maine 

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*Forever Young (by Bob Dylan)

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

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February 14, 2017 by Michael Corthell