Wealth

This is a photo of a painting of a photo I did a few years ago.

Some people measure wealth by the size of their bank account, their stock portfolio, how much real estate they own, or how expensive the car they drive is. Until these two small children were placed into my arms, I measured richness the same way everyone else did. Since that time, I have come to know, with each passing day, each valuable minute with them, its true measure:

It is not those other things that matter in this sometimes harsh, sometimes cruel, sometimes unjust, and yet amazingly beautiful world. They have taught me, and continue to teach me every day, is that true wealth comes from love itself. It is immeasurable, incalculable, enduring, and makes everything else in this world fall away into nothingness by comparison.

I know they will face challenges in life as they grow up. The world as it is now, is not the ideal world I would like to have given them. Bigotry, hatred, intolerance, they will indeed face; of that I am certain. But they will face it with humanity, grace, wisdom, and compassion that in some small way I hope I have instilled in them.

Olivia and Meghan, I love you, and I am one of the richest people you will ever know, because I have you.

Love, Dad

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