A Letter From My Father,

Frank --

The wedding is set for May 24th in Colorado, just outside of Boulder
in the mountain town of Nederland.  And it's time to talk about plans
for the occasion.

I don't know how best to say some things to you, so I'm just going to
say them.  I expect that you will be angry with me, but you could
choose otherwise....

You are welcome at my wedding ... but there are conditions attached to
that welcome.  I will not pay for airline tickets and lodging for you
and Max.  You will have to take care of that.  You are old enough now.
In the past, I sent things your way without so much as a thank you in
return.  Some -- like Christmas -- were not even acknowledged.

I will not do that any longer.  You will adhere to a minimum of consideration.

Most folks are staying at the Sundance ... but you might find the
little Best Western in "downtown" Nederland a little more to your
liking.  It's close to things in Ned, where the Sundance is out on its
own, removed from anything except hiking trails and dirt roads.

http://www.sundance-lodge.com/
http://www.nederlandchamber.org/members/BestWesternLodge.htm

But most important ... will  you be willing to come and celebrate the
people and the event?

For some time now you have specialized in standing out, shocking, and
exercising your general anger with the world, often against people of
kind and gentle heart.   You have promoted your cynicism at the
expense of others, especially when they have wanted to extend a
helping or kind hand.  You have looked down on those who didn't share
your perspective on life as unfit or some how less than you.  (You are
mistaken.  They are your better.)

This false superiority doesn't belong at my wedding.  You are welcome
... this way of treating others is not.  This is a time of celebration
and joy.  Don't show up to rain on the parade.

I'm not saying that I'm perfect.  I've wrestled with these demons
myself so I make no claim at superiority.  I've made all these errors
and worse.   I AM saying that its time to grow up.  Adults wrestle
with these things and grow.  Most of all, they share each others' joys
and aspirations.

Come be an adult with us.

--
Frank S



Response to follow.