Stygian's Honor

For Bret, Holly, and Maddy.

Sometimes what you believe is the answer is in reality the shackles that will bind the heart and the adventures that have always filled your soul.

Sometimes, what you see isn’t what you can believe, and what you hear isn’t always what was said.

As you travel through life, reaching out for all the adventures you’ve dreamed of, braving the storms of life, of love and, sadly, heartache, always remember that each scar your heart takes, each tear your soul sheds or refuses to release, and each lonely moment spent searching for answers, is what leads you to the person you will become. Strength, truth, and courage are values you should go to bed with each night and awaken to each morning.

Listen to your heart, but also remember you have a brain for a reason.

Common sense should always guide you, but compassion and mercy, tempered with strength of will and trust in yourself should walk hand in hand with it.

Have your adventures.

Sing from your heart, play from your soul, take the pictures that will last a lifetime and will inspire generations.

Live every moment as though it’s the most important moment in your life, and always know that your heart, your love, and the strength you will bring to the ones who will eventually hold it all are gifts that you should never allow to be taken for granted.

Love isn’t always kind. It isn’t always gentle. It’s rarely soft, and it never makes allowances for those who are weak.

Be strong. Keep your head high, your shoulders straight. Be honest. Be just. Be courageous. And once disillusionment, pain, and tears have honed you into the adults you will become, then the greatest of adventures will find you.

The adventure of love.