Dear Garrett..

July 15, 2013

Dear Garrett,

Happy Birthday! This is your 22nd one on our beautiful planet Earth. I am told there are billions of galaxies. Our galaxy which we call Milky Way is simply one of many out there. It’s fun to think about where we have already been and where we will go when we leave here. God always has neat things in store for His children. He is more excited, supportive and proud of you than I am if you can imagine that!

I had this photo blown up on canvass and framed for your birthday present. I think you were age seven when it was taken. We were in Lampasas, Texas at our Lodge. What is special about this photo is that it was the first time you rode your bicycle without training wheels. I have entitled this photo, “I did it – I only had to try.”

We can do amazing things when we are simply willing to try. Sometimes we have to try a lot before we succeed at something. On this day, you only had to try once.

For about three years, I had been trying to get you to ride your bike without the training wheels. You always told me “No”, that you needed them on the bike. But I had been noticing that when you rode your bike the training wheel were not even touching the ground. But you continued to insist that the wheels stay on. No amount of talking would change your mind until one day I got a new idea.

With my new idea, I said, “Garrett, I have a deal for you.” Let me take off the training wheels – and you try to ride your bike without them – then if you want me to, I will put them back on. Quite surprisingly, you agreed to my offer – you were ready!

Within a few minutes I had removed the training wheels. Then you got back on your bike with me standing there to help you get started. I gave you a shove to get you going. Immediately you shot off in a streak of speed – you cut across the yard then down the street. You were going fast and your balance was perfect! This photo was taken on that first bike ride without your training wheels.

When came back from setting your new speed record down the street, I asked you to let me put the training wheels back on the bike. You would have nothing to do with that idea and off again you flashed down the street!

With this photo and letter explaining this important bike ride and event in your life, I am celebrating all the things you can accomplish in the future when you become willing to try. God has placed many wonderful gifts and talents in you. Your talents are simply waiting for you to try them out.

Since this bike ride you have accomplished lots of other neat things. It will be fun to see all the additional new things you will accomplish as you continue through your third decade on our amazing planet.

Love Always…Dad