This week’s column is the second in a series titled, “Love Letters To My Son” — a collection of random texts, notes and letters between John Fountain and his son, now 17 and a high school senior.
Saturday October 13, 2018, 9:04 a.m., Before cross-country meet — Dad: “I will be there at the one-mile marker and two-mile marker. I will tell you your place by saying, ‘pick it up’ or ‘run steady.’
“Remember: There is that hill that comes toward the end of the first mile. Attack the hill … This is mental. You are physically strong. Fight ...”
At 9:11 a.m. — Son: “All right Dad. Thanks.”
Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, 2:24 a.m., Before next race, a regional cross-country meet — Dad: “Never been prouder of who you are, son. Of the man you are becoming. Of how you’ve run in the race of life. No matter the circumstance. Come struggle. Or triumph. Come rain. Or shine. In first. Or while searching for your next breath.
“You are MVP. Because of the you I see: Caring. Unselfish. Loving. Kind. A champion in spirit. Always abiding. In hope. And commitment. Unafraid to grind. In sweat and tears. Through disappointment and the kind of pressure that causes others to quit.
“I sit as your father in awe of who God made you to be. Humbled that He gave you to me. Completely full beyond the measure of my heart’s capacity, I am overjoyed by the honor of being your father. The joy of you over these last 16 years. Of being there through the tears.
“And as time has slipped away and I see the day, looming on the horizon. When the time will come for you to take flight, to soar into the light of promise and dreams; To destinies and hope yet unseen; To the fulfillment of who you are. Of all that God-made you to be; Beyond the man that I am, though born of my seed;
“I could not say it louder, ‘I could not be prouder. So blessed to be your father.”
7:24 a.m. — Dad: “Begin focusing and going inward now … Bring your mind in on your task at hand. You’ve put in the work… Relax and get in the zone.”
7:48 a.m.— Son: “Thanks, Dad, I got you.”
12:48 p.m., After the race, injured and failing to qualify for sectionals — Dad: “Hold your head up. You ran a strong race. I don’t give a damn what anybody else says.”
At 12:49 — Dad: “Don’t sulk or pout. Men won’t respect you.”
No response.
Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, Nearly a year later, a note of encouragement to run — Dad: “Son, this is your senior year. Every good thing that’s coming your way you’ve earned. You will not, as they say, pass this way again. Take in every moment of this season.
“Rise above the naysayers ... Let not their negativity and hate deter you from your pursuits. This is your time.
“I have seen you mature from boy to young man. I have seen you take risks, succeed and overcome, even in the face of adversity and uncertainty. If you want to run, then run, keeping your eyes on the prize.
“It isn’t about being anybody’s MVP. You always have and always will be my MVP. I have always and will continue to root for you, stand with you, help you train and navigate. And as always, I will cheer for you.
“Stand quietly and assuredly in whose and who you are. Who are you?
“A gift from God, given to me--your father--whose heart, once broken in fatherhood, needed mending. You have been a delight as a son. Everything I could have ever hoped for. I believe in you.
“This may be our last running season — maybe my last time to meet my son around the bend. I hope you’ll run.”
No response.
Email: Author@johnwfountain.com
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.
