My Life

I can probably count on my 2 hands then number of movies that get me to shed a tear each time I see them.  One of those movies is "My Life" with Michael Keaton.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Udkv5nZ7gcw

It's a movie of a guy (Keaton) who finds out his wife is pregnant about the same time that he finds out he has terminal cancer.  Since he knows that he will not be around to raise his child, he is determined to teach his son all of the things he would have taught him through a videotape.  How to shave, how to start a car using jumper cables and other life lessons are just a few of the things he sees as necessary topics to teach his soon to be born son. 

Even though I don't have teminal cancer (and am in perfect health according to my doctor during my last physical a few years ago), I could be gone just as quickly and not have the opportunity to teach my son any of those things either. 

I don't mean to be dark or purposefully morose.  I just thought it would be interesting to think of things that I would want my son to know.  I wouldn't want time to pass without my passing of my knowledge of these topics.  Not all of them are serious...and this is not an all-encompassing list by any means.  But I hope this makes you think (like it did me) of what we can be teaching our children and the lessons we want to pass on to them.

·         Baseball is better with the DH.  Nobody wants to see a pitcher bat.  I’ve seen monkeys swatting at flies with more accuracy than pitchers batting.

·         The Godfather & Godfather 2 are the best movies ever made. 

·         When doing any job don’t just do the bare minimum….do it to the best of your ability.  You will feel better about yourself and your boss will never see you as expendable.

·         Never be afraid to try new food. 

·         Don’t ever pick a girl based on looks.  Find a girl who is kind hearted, who shares your beliefs, and who you enjoy being around.

·         The Top 3 running backs of all time are 1) Jim Brown 2) Barry Sanders and 3) Walter Payton.  And there is NO debate!

·         Never stop learning. 

·         You may regret some things you buy, but you’ll never regret saving your money.  Save as much and as early as you can.

·         Be creative.

·         The R.B.I. is the most overrated statistic in sports. 

·         Laugh every day.

·         Take the time to know your family.  Find out the history of where you came from.

·         When shaking hands look at their eyes and squeeze their hand firmly.  You don’t want to hurt their hand but you don’t want your hand to feel like a dead fish.

·         You are born with only 1 name.  Once you get the reputation of lying or being dishonest you tarnish your name forever.  Be someone that people can trust.  It’s very difficult to get back trust once you lost it.

·         Your dad loves you.