My hopes for Reid is that he will grow into the kind of man that sets his own standards, far exceeding than those around him. That he will look injustice in the eyes and battle until he conquers. That he will love with his whole being and be a good man that leads by example. A man that isn't ashamed to ask for help and one that admits when he's wrong. But above all else, a man of faith. 

1. Faith. Someday he will be afraid, nervous, heartbroken, lost, or just need you, and you won't be able to be there. Give him something to turn to when it feels like he is alone, so that he knows he will never be alone.

2. Chivalry: A woman may be as capable as a man, but she is, in fact, a lady. Brave the elements, walk on the outside of the sidewalk, hold the door, introduce her to people, This shows you’re paying attention to a lady’s feelings and your willing to go out of your way for her. Simply put, that’s class!

3. Gentleness: like with babies, crops, animals, and people's feelings.

4. Philanthropy: Give him the opportunity to help others and volunteer. Encourage him to “save the world.” Be a role model for this showing how to help without the need for recognition.
   

5. Let him lose. Losing sucks. Everybody isn't always a winner. Even if you want to say, "You're a winner because you tried," don't.  He doesn't feel like a winner, he feels sad and crappy and disappointed.  And that's a good thing, because sometimes life also sucks, no matter how hard we try to make it not suck for our kids. Teach him to never give up.

6. Role Model: Make sure he has examples of powerful men and women. Examples of men with big muscles and women who are beautiful will surround him from birth. Make sure he also knows about people for their intelligence (Benjamin Franklin, Marie Curie), their pen (Gary Paulsen, Charlotte Bronte), their determination (Cesar Chavez, Susan B. Anthony), and ideas (The Wright Brothers, Florence Nightingale), their integrity (George Washington, Harriet Tubman), and fearlessness (Neil Armstrong, Nelly Bly). Most importantly, MOM and DAD. Be who you want him to be.
   

7. Let his dad teach him… without telling him how to do it the “right way.” Someday in his grown-up man heart and mind, he will believe that his dad knows all the answers. This will be how you stay connected to what is happening in your son’s life when he’s too busy to chat with you. Because he will call his dad for answers, and his dad will secretly come and ask you.

8. Teach him how to do laundry… And load the dishwasher, iron, and cook. He may not always choose to do it. He may not ever have to do it. But someday his wife will thank you and he’ll be a better man for it.

9. Love:  In the bible, God commands a man to love his wife. This won’t come easy, may not feel natural but it’s key to a happy marriage happy life. When she says, “nothing’s wrong” keep asking! If you accidentally make her cry, hold her; NEVER NEVER leave her alone. Tell her she’s beautiful when she’s not dolled up, listen to her and hear her words, care enough to get to know her (she won’t stay the person you married forever), forgive her when she makes mistakes. Make a choice to be there.
   

10. Treasure the time and drink it in: The amazing day comes and he’s born, then you blink and he’s 5. Don’t get caught up in having perfect meals, perfect homes, or doing the “one more thing” before you and he get to snuggle or play together. These things will always be there, he won’t. Too soon he’ll feel confident enough to live on his own, generous enough to share his love with a wife, and loving enough to be there for his own children. 

You'll never be too old for kisses!