Hero and Monster

Dear Son,

I've been watching my crazy old Godzilla movies that you never liked. Its funny how Godzilla has changed over the years and in some he is a good lizard and in others a bad lizard. That describes human nature a great deal. History makes a hero or monster of us all.

All I can say about all of this is that everyone has a dark side. Most people really try to hide it from others and from themselves. I think that always leads to trouble. I would much rather have a monster in front of me instead of hiding in my closet plotting against me. Again going back to self honesty. It is so important son, to be honest with yourself about yourself. To learn to look at all of your nature and not just the parts that make you feel good. All of who you are serves a purpose.

If however we try to hide from what we are, then it builds up inside and almost always comes out in a warped and self destructive way. So it is much better to make friends with all of yourself and find a way to incorporate even those aspects of yourself that you don't like into your life. After all someone that lies is a great lawyer or good in politics. Its all a matter of finding out who you are, then finding the most useful way of utilizing all of who you are without hurting yourself or anyone else.

On my end, I will love you regardless of what you grow up to be. Thats another important part of this, to love all of someone. If you learn to love yourself with all of your light and darkness, you learn to do the same for others. You love all of them, not just the parts that are pleasant. The kind of loyalty and friendships that I have built on this concept are beyond compare. I can see them for who they are and have great compassion for their journey through the human condition without being caught in judgement. Not having to concern myself with if they are good or bad, right or wrong, just that they are a human with many sides and my friend.

You my son, because you are my son, I will always love you and wish the absolute best for you. I have used this compassion many times to help shape my view of the world. I try to see the world as I see you. I try to see it with eyes of compassion and hope for a bright future. It has made my world much more livable in troubled times. Know this, that no matter what, wherever either of us are, I love you and am here for you.

Good night son

Caleb Storms