Caleb, I am so sorry I missed the signs. That I dismissed you too quickly. That I let you wallow in the pain without helping. I struggle to forgive myself.
Even though I freely have given that same forgiveness to others, without an ounce of hesitation. And I meant it deeply, wholeheartedly. I know God has forgiven me and Asa has as well. If we could communicate right now, I know you would not want me to put blame on myself
But me, I am another story. On earth, the buck stopped here. So even though you have already given it, I publicly ask for your forgiveness once again.
Know I am proud of you. Period. Proud to call you my son. Proud to call you my friend. Proud to call you my brother in Christ. Proud of your boldness. Proud of how you stood for others. Proud you stood in your truth. Proud of how you shared your journey with your mother. Proud of the person you brought forth in me. Proud of how you lived your life everyday.
I will tell your story, to any and all who will listen. I will be the best father I know how to be to your 3 brothers and the daughters who look to me for, love, guidance and direction. I will apply the lessons you taught me. And I will not stop reaching out to those that are hurting under the mask. Because you led by example. You led by love.
I hurt deeply today, my heart aches. The unrealized promise of what you were becoming lies before me. A performance whose opening act set the scene, for a life full of sharing love and laughter with all whose paths unbeknownst to them intersected with your stage.
I miss you, bud. I love you.
___________________________________________________
GUARD #1: Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
ARTHUR: Not at all, they could be carried.
GUARD #1: What -- a swallow carrying a coconut?
ARTHUR: It could grip it by the husk!
GUARD #1: It's not a question of where he grips it! It's a simple
question of weight ratios! A five ounce bird could not carry a 1 pound coconut.
ARTHUR: Well, it doesn't matter. Will you go and tell your master
that Arthur from the Court of Camelot is here.
GUARD #1: Listen, in order to maintain air-speed velocity, a swallow needs to beat its wings 43 times every second, right?
ARTHUR: Please!
GUARD #1: Am I right?
ARTHUR: I'm not interested!
GUARD #2: It could be carried by an African swallow!
GUARD #1: Oh, yeah, an African swallow maybe, but not a European swallow, that's my point.
GUARD #2: Oh, yeah, I agree with that...
Oh, and find out how King Arthur got the coconuts. Because right after I hug you, I am going to want a definitive answer!
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