Advice to a young Jack Llewellyn

This has turned out to be so much more fun than I even thought. Lest they be lost in the comments (especially since some were just emailed to me), here is your advice to our little boy. I will keep adding as they keep trickling in. And/or as I keep extorting them from people. What a lucky boy Jack is to be presented with such wisdom at such a young age. I will make sure this gets back to him when he's old enough to appreciate it. Thank you, everyone.

If you're always on top of things, life is downhill. :) (man, I wish I could follow that advice)

No, actually, if there was something I wish I had understood when I was younger, it's that there's no rush to grow up.

--Godmother Julia

In my experiences, the most vital, enduring life lessons come from our mistakes and disappointments and what we do with them, rather than our successes and achievements.

--Grandma Melissa

Don't take your friends for granted. Make an effort to keep in touch with good friends throughout your life. There will come a time in your life when it is much harder to meet people/make friends, and you will be glad you kept in touch with the ones you had growing up. Take it from someone who didn't. It's lonely here on the outside. Boo hoo.

--Aunt Alison

This teething thing turns out okay! No really, you are going to LOVE teeth. Hang in there.

-- Lizzy J

Listen to your mommy — she is always right. And, daddy knows best.

--Grandma Sue

Be brave and go after what really makes you happy, like your Mom did, from choosing field sites to working out a way to be a awesome scientist and a mom at the same time.

--EJ

When picking boyfriends, a man with patience is worth his weight in gold. And don't believe every laksa you eat.

-Tash

Don't be good, just be safe.

-- Beany

Learn to use the computer before your first birthday!

-- Auntie Grandma Joanna

Bill Russell, NBA great and Oakland native, told a young player, "Learn something every time you go out on the court." In other words, be a lifelong learner.

-- Grandad Bill

Understand your role in contributing to the bottom line of the company. Keep your eyes (and your career) focused on the big picture rather than on your own little cube.

-- Raven

Family is most important. They will always be there for you.

Your education is the most valuable asset you have. No one can take that away from you. You can lose your possessions, lose your money, but your education can never be lost.

You are never dressed without your smile.

--Matthew, Ethan, Thomas & Ava's Grandma Laura

1) Always keep laughing, especially on your bad days.  Revelry in the absurdities of life is the best shield you will have.

2) Keep your nose clean, because, as the great Hunter S. Thompson advised us "going to trial with a lawyer who considers your whole life-style a Crime in Progress is not a happy prospect."

3) Your godfather is always but a phone call away (and if you're in a real bind, can likely be talked out of what little money he has, but I don't foresee that being an issue).

-Godfather Scott

Here is a poem by Hafiz that, to me, captures some of the joy and humor and wonder of the recognition that the world moves in ways we can't control.

What is the difference

Between your Existence

And that of a Saint?

The Saint knows

That the spiritual path

Is a sublime chess game with God

And that the Beloved

Has just made such a Fantastic Move

That the Saint is now continually

Tripping over joy

And Bursting out in Laughter

And saying, "I Surrender!"

Whereas, my dear,

I am afraid you still think

You have a thousand serious moves.

-existential Kayje