Dear World:
My daughter starts school today. It's going to be strange and new to her for awhile and I wish you would treat her gently. You see, up to now, she's been the queen of the roost. She's been the boss of the backyard. Her mother has always been around to soothe her feelings. But now, things are going to be different. this morning, she's going to walk down the front steps, wave her hand, and start on the great adventure that will include new surroundings and new friends. To live her life in this world will require faith, love and courage. So, World, I wish you would take her by her young hand and teach her the things she will have to know. Teach her... but gently if you can.
She will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just; that all men are not true. But teach her also, that for every scoundrel, there is a hero; for every enemy, there is a friend. Teach her that a nickel earned is of far more value than a dollar found. Teach her to learn to lose, and to enjoy winning. Steer her away from envy. Let her learn early that bullies are small people trying to look big. Teach her, if you can, the wonder of books and give her quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, fish in the water and flower on the green.
In school, World, teach her that it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach her to be gentle with gentle people and tough with tough people. Try to give my daughter the inner strength of individuality. Teach her to listen to all men... but teach her also, to filter all she hears on a screen of truth and take only the truth that comes through. Teach her how to laugh when she is sad. Teach her there is no shame in tears and that there can be dispair in success. Teach her to scoff at cynics and to beware of too much sweetness. Teach her to solidify her morals and stand by her decisions as they flow from her heart and soul. Teach her to close her ears to the howling mob and to stand for what she believes is right. Treat her gently, World, but don't coddle her as she needs to respond with strength of which life is a constant test. Let her have the courage to be impatient and the patience to be brave. Teach her always to have faith in herself and then she will always have faith in mankind.
She is my world, she is my flesh and blood, she is our future!
This is a big order, World, but see what you can do. She is a nice little person...
my daughter.
Jacob
copyright 1983