“You got it,boss.”
I led him into the makeshift kitchen. “Get some coffee first. Can’t have you tired and driving a forklift—you’ll fucking kill yourself. Let’s a whole lot of paperwork I don’t want to deal with,” I teased, giving him a quickwink.
After filling my own mug up, I sank down in my chair. I fielded calls, listened to way too many messages, responded to emails, and set up delivery and pickup dates that needed to be taken careof.
A while later, I grabbed a yellow pad from the deskdrawer.
Mikey,
Even though you’re just a little guy right now, eventually you’re going to grow into a man. I promise, son, that I will always do my best to lead by example and help you become a strong and good man. A man that you can be proud of. You have the whole world in front of you and I never want you to feel like you cannot come to me with any problem, big or small. We’re family, and no matter what, I will help you without judgment. Never forgetthat.
With that being said, there are some things I want to tell you. There is a code every man must live by in his life. Follow your code, son. Never let anyone compromise your moralcompass.
Over the years, I have learned some lessons that I want you to take very seriously. Read them carefully and hold on tothem.
Never shake a man’s hand sitting down. Stand tall, look him in the eye, and griptightly.
A man’s bike is his baby, and you must respectthat.
Never make the first offer during a negotiation—this’ll give you the highground.
When you’re at a hotel, always request an early check in and a late checkout—they come in handy more times thannot.
Your word is your bond, and you must never tellsecrets.
Stay away from petty drama and trash-talking. It’sunbecoming.
Hold anyone you look up to to the highest of standards, and always treat them withrespect.
Treat everyone with respect, even when they don’t return thefavor.
Always return a car you have borrowed with a full tank ofgas.
Live your life with passion andpurpose.
Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone shouldbe.
Never forget that when you marry a woman, you marry her family too, and there’s good and bad that comes with that. Never let your woman face anything on her own. Her struggles along with her happiness are yours to share inequally.
Try to be like a duck: let shit roll off your back, remaining calm above the water while paddling like hellunderneath.
Don’t be scared to be alone—sometimes you’re the only one you cantrust.
Always thank a veteran when the opportunity presentsitself.
Be kind to the new kid and be hisfriend.
Never be quick to judge, and always give only one second chance. People make mistakes but you mustn’t be adoormat
Never send a letter that was written out of anger. Write it, but never send it. It’s good to get your feelings out, but once it is sent, the words cannot be takenback.
Always respect your mother and never talk back to her—she is alwaysright.
Never underestimate the power of goodmanners.
Always stand up to bullies and protect the ones who are being bullied. There is no room in your world for that type of mindlesscruelty.
Don’t be scared to follow your dreams. It’s all right to fail, and that’s how you learn tosucceed.
