Welcome to this beautiful, magical, mysterious, and wondrous world we call Earth. I can only imagine what you must think as you look around at all of the new things and how amazed you must be, even though you have no clue that you're amazed. I thought it would be fitting that I offer you this letter at the least-- it will likely be all you ever have (though you'll likely never see it) from me for a considerable amount of time. One day I'll maybe have the opportunity to explain why this was all you got.
Well this is me. I'm John and I'm your "half-brother" though it won't really mean anything until you and I are considerably older. I'm still trying to grasp the thought that when you are my age I'll be 40. That's absolutely bizarre. One day I hope you agree.
I'm an Auburn student and I study microbiology. I followed my heart and ran away from our "father" and am far removed from Boaz for the most part. In theory, I suppose you're removed from Boaz as well. Which, even though I've got some sour tastes on my tongue from Boaz, I would still say Boaz was the best place for me to grow up. So I apologize that you won't get that opportunity. But you get to write your own story-- what a wild thought-- since we aren't necessarily tied together or anything.
I decided to write this to you, in theory, as a way of telling you the other side of all the things about this new thing you'll eventually call life. I write this partially because I'm afraid you won't get the benefit of being raised on the same principles I was raised on and the things that have helped me turn out okay in the world. So here's a very short list of things I was raised on or that I've learned throughout the years:
1.) Follow the Scout Oath and Law
If there is anything that will without a doubt take you where you need to go you can find it within Scout Oath and Law. It's really simple and easy to remember, but abiding by it is a lot more difficult than it sounds.
2.) Love Everything You Do
Find things you are interested in. Do whatever it is often and become good at it.
3.) Do Everything You Can To The Best Of Your Ability
Realize that it's okay to fail; it's okay to not get it right the first time.
B's are completely and utterly acceptable grades, no matter what anyone says.
Being a perfectionist isn't worth it, and don't allow Him to turn you into one-- it sucks.
4.) Develop A Big Heart
Be a loving, giving, dedicated person to others. I think eventually you'll find that giving your time for the benefit of others is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Don't let anyone stop you from being able to give.
5.) Stick Through The Tough Times
I can't guarantee that you'll see the same challenges, trials, tribulations, road blocks, uncertainties or anything bad that I have seen but I guarantee that there are better things ahead. Stick through all the lows because the highs are much more worth it.
In June 2012 your dad, my source of half of my genome, left me, my mom, and my (I guess "our") brother for your mom. She's roughly three years older than me, which is 100% weird to me. I don't know much about her beyond that she was a former high school student of His, but she's not what I've got. And for that not only do I apologize but I also brag.
See, my mother was there for me when "our" father was too busy grading papers, taking classes, coaching teams, announcing sports, refereeing games, teaching night classes, and anything else that will take time away from "you and him time". But don't have faith in the whole "me and dad are going to play catch and get ice cream and have guy time" stereotype. He doesn't buy in to that; at least he didn't with me. Also, never beat him in a video game or he'll just get huffy and puffy and never play again.
Now the great thing about my mom is that she would teach me, play games with me, watch television with me, go on adventures with me, and so much more. And I'm sure you and your mom will do some cool stuff. But your mom isn't nearly as cool or as amazing as my mom is; sorry you got the short end of the stick. And your step-brother will never be nearly as cool, talented, funny, and awesome as my brother is; again, tough. Maybe something will change by the time you're older and He will realize the mistakes he made with me and Jesse. The saying goes "third time's a charm" but don't necessarily get your hopes up. And don't blame yourself when He lets you down. It's much more difficult that way.
The unfortunate fact of the matter for you is that you'll never have what I have; no object of value nor amount of money could make me choose something material over what I have. We may have a tough time here and there, but we're inseparable. Through thick and thin, you better believe The Real Mayhall Clan will still be together, united against the world's worst and celebrating its best,
together.
Kid, I implore you to make the best out of all this life gives you; maybe one day our paths will cross- who knows. If he ever does to you what he did to me, give me a ring. I'd love to talk.
Your Half Brother,
JM
