Build me a son,
whose wishes will not take the place of deeds.
A son who will know Thee--and that to know himself
is the foundation stone of knowledge

Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort,
but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenges.
Here let him learn compassion for those who fall.

Build me a son,
whose heart is clear, whose goals will be high
a son who will master himself
before he seeks to master others;
who will reach into the future,
yet never forget the past.

And after all these things are his, add, I pray,
enough of a sense of humor
so that he may always be serious
yet never take himeself too seriously.
Give him humility, so that he may always remember
the simplicity of true greatness,
the open mind of true wisdom,
and the meakness of true strength.

Then, I, his father will dare to whisper,
"I have not lived in vain."
~ Douglas MacArthur

Happy Birthday, Richard