Dear Mitch

The letter written to my son as he graduated from the University of Alabama

Usually, this spot is reserved for my musings on marketing, branding, sales, branded merchandise, or other business topics. However, as I prepare to post this blog, none of that is even remotely on my mind. If you silently asked yourself why, it's because about 48 hours ago, one of my sons, Mitch, graduated from Alabama, and it's been difficult to focus my thoughts on anything but this day he's worked so hard for. In lieu of the usual business writing, I'm sharing the letter that was written for him as he walked across the stage and into the next phase of his life. Maybe it will resonate with you; perhaps it won't. However, as you know, it's my blog, so my rules.

With that bit of a preamble out of the way, here is the note:

Dear Mitch,

We have envisioned your graduation day since the day we dropped you off at Paty Hall at the University of Alabama almost four years ago. While that first dorm room gave all of us "San Quentin" vibes, it was clear from the moment we left that you had found your place.

As I write this – just 72 hours before you graduate – we have lumps in our throats as we strain to see the words on the page through the tears we are desperately trying to hold back. A parent's tears are, well, complicated. While there have been times the tears we've shed were because we hurt for you, the tears you will likely see on such a monumental day like today aren't sorrow – they are excitement, anticipation, and the purest form of love we could ever possibly hope to express. Just when you think your cup can't get fuller, it overflows, and gratitude, joy, pride, and love are abundant in our hearts.

When we reflect on that day when we left you in Tuscaloosa – we hugged you, got in the car, and drove off as you waved goodbye, which caused a flood of memories to fill our minds as we left part of our hearts in Alabama: the day you were born, your first smile, your first tooth, your first triumph, your first failure, and the first time you drove off on your own, among many other milestones. However, on that day when we dropped you off to begin your collegiate journey, you were no longer that child we knew; you were a man.

On your college graduation, you are hitting another milestone, and with it comes a significant change. This milestone isn't just about growing up; it's about being a grown-up. As your parents, this particular moment causes us the most pride and also the most pain. The duality is that our minds are so full of excitement and wonder for you while our hearts feel something very different because we know the magnitude of the milestone and what follows.

So, here we are, at the cusp of the rest of your life, ready to celebrate your college graduation. In honor of that, we want to share some advice that will help you as you navigate a very uncertain world.

Continue to Work Hard

Without grit, determination, and hard work, we wouldn't be where we are today. In many situations, you won't be the smartest, the most creative, or the best at a particular task - that's just the reality of life, and it can't be controlled. However, what can be controlled is committing to yourself so that no one will ever outwork you. When you do this, you'll find that doing work that matters and giving it your honest and best effort will yield rewards that simple money cannot. Work hard and do it without pretense, as that will give your professional life meaning and bring incredible personal richness to your life.

Believe, dream, explore, and be curious – always.

In other words, be uniquely YOU. You and your brother (who will most assuredly get something like this when he graduates from Mississippi State this December) are the greatest gifts we could ever hope for. Never, ever lose your adventurous spirit, and don't shy away from chasing your dreams. Ever since you were a toddler and could speak, you always asked, "Why?" Continue being intentionally curious to discover as much as possible about the world around you.

Embrace the Unknown

It's a blessing not to have every step of your life mapped out in advance, as a bit of mystery is a good thing. As we can attest, life has a way of throwing you a curveball (or two) when it's least expected, wanted, or needed. Learning how to be flexible and understanding how to find the best avenue out of a bad situation will go a long way to building the life you desire.

Keep Learning and Growing

No matter what you achieve or how high on the corporate ladder you climb, there is always something to learn. Learning new things keeps your thinking fresh and allows you to look at situations differently than you did before and, therefore, develop alternative solutions to any challenge – personal or professional.

Enjoy Life

We live in a world where the pace of everyday life increases in velocity by the day. As we wrote earlier, work hard. However, don't work so hard that you miss out on the magic of life. You've consistently demonstrated the ability to balance work and life, but sustaining that balance becomes an enormous challenge as you get older and your responsibilities increase. Even so, it can be achieved. Make time for the things – and people – you love.

Beginnings and Endings

The older you get, the more you realize that endings of just about anything can be bittersweet, if not downright difficult. However, realize that when one thing ends – a job, a relationship, or even your time in college – it often provides an opportunity to experience a new beginning. No matter how painful an ending might feel in the moment, breathe and look for the beginning that's right around the corner.

Quick Hits

A few final thoughts as you become a college graduate: 

• Even in the most challenging times, remember that you have a voice and the power to change things for the better.

• The longest distance between any two points is the shortcut. Wanting something now always means you'll have to pay later – usually more. Be willing to put in your dues, get your hands dirty, and do the hard things to achieve what you desire.

• Remember, you always have a choice, regardless of the situation. Even if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.

• Be brave enough to say, "I'm sorry," "I love you," and "I forgive you." Oh, and on that last one, be brave enough to forgive yourself when necessary – nobody's perfect.

• Show gratitude as genuinely and as often as possible – people won't remember physical things like cars and the latest phone app, but they will remember how you made them feel.

• Confidence combined with passion is your superpower – use it wisely.

• Surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself and remind you how truly amazing you are.

• John Lennon once said, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." Be prepared for those curveballs we mentioned before, and never be afraid to ask for help when needed.

• Call home. No matter where life takes you, don't forget to call home. We are always excited to hear your voice and the stories you share – that will never change.

• Be kind – always.

Mitch, our love for you never had any strings attached. There is nothing you could possibly do that could separate that love from you. We will always be your biggest fans and your greatest cheerleaders. We can definitively say that you will never disappoint us. No matter what you do, where you go, or who you love, you will always have a place of belonging in our hearts and our home.

We believe in you - we always have and always will.

Love,

Dad and Mom