Tecumseh's Prayer

So, I went to a sneak preview of "Act of Valor" last week- the movie with the real Navy Seals. I don't want to give too much of the movie away, but, suffice it to say, it is an awesome movie that you must go see. Anyways, I wanted to be sure to post about this one particular part of the movie before it came out and everybody else started talking about it.

One of the main characters had a special message for his son. It was a poem by the Shawnee chief Tecumseh. Given the story line of the movie, and the time where it was presented, the prayer provided particular impact. Generally speaking, though, its message is so deep and profound that I felt the need to share it. It is also going to be going up on my cubicle wall:

"So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.

Trouble no one about their religion;

respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours.

Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.

Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people.

Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend,

even a stranger, when in a lonely place.

Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living.

If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.

Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools

and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled

with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep

and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way.

Sing your death song and die like a hero going home."

Chief Tecumseh (Crouching Tiger) Shawnee Nation 1768-1813

Every father should want to give this poem to their son. Every man should want to live up to its edicts. Its words both comfort and embolden at the same time.

Christien, I can only pray that you are reading this. There is a reason why I speak to you in every post, It is the only way I am allowed to do so. When I tell you You'll Never Walk Alone, it's because I am always carrying you in my heart. Behave for your mother and help her in any way you can. God only gives one mother in this world, and she is to always be cherised. Que Dios te bendiga, mi hijo. Cuidate, and never doubt that I love you, son.

Happy Birthday Aaron

Well, I officially became the father of an adult today. While I'm proud of my son & love him as only a father can, I still have to say: I don't feel old enough to have an adult son!! Compounding matters is the fact that my youngest, Christien, is a freshman in high school & Aaron graduates this year. Old age will not take me without a fight, I promise that.

Aaron, now that you are an adult, always remember your father loves you & though I haven't been perfect all these years, I still tried to be the best I could be. No father could be prouder of the person you have become. You've had to work harder than others just to achieve the same results, but you never back ed down. Keep that attitude. It will serve you well as you continue on in your life. At the same time though, don't ever let go of your child like heart. It is one of your best attributes.

Happy birthday son. I love you, & You'll Never Walk Alone.