Your Son, if I had a wish right now, it would be that you could know in your mind, like in my mind how much I love you and that everything I do as a parent is purely because I want to help you to be successful. Whatever success means to you, my only goal for you is for you to be happy. Maybe this letter will help me do that. Let me start by admitting, son, that it's true that when I was your age I didn't get that at all. See, I thought my parents were trying to control me. Every time they tried to tell me how I could do things better, all I did was either roll my eyes at them or tell them something like, I'm fine. And they would ask how I was doing. I'd say that even when I wasn't fine because I wanted to be my own person. Please know that I do realize that about you and most kids want to be their own person and I want that for you too. I will also freely admit to you that I don't know what you're going through. I do know that things are different now than when I was a kid. Please forgive me for all the times I might have forgotten how tough it can be at your age or if I ever underestimated the pressures you have to deal with. My main reason for this letter is just to tell you how proud I am of you to encourage and inspire you. And I think the best way to do that is just to be as honest as I can with you. And I must say, I love how you handled yourself out there today in your game. There's a great joy to witness me giving it your all when you're out there. The next time you're running at full speed with everything you've got, you can know that you have my energy behind you like a tailwind. When you're throwing your body into the middle of the action, believe that I am in there with you giving you the strength. And son, you don't have to do anything for my approval. You have it, you always have. And you always will. You don't have to do anything to earn it. Just be you. Go out there. Compete like you want to. Just being able to watch you play and compete and perform, that's your gift to me. I want you to know that. It truly doesn't matter to me whether you win or lose, whether you get to the next level or stay where you're at. You will always be my son. And I love you. And here for you whenever you want my help, sincerely dad. PS, please cut me a little slack when I offer advice or help without you're asking for it. Know that it's just a father loving his son.