Dear Laikynn, Brooklynn and whoever comes next,
As I sit down to write this letter, my heart is filled with love and hope for each of you. Life is an incredible journey, and while I don’t have all the answers, I want to share a few keys of advice that I believe will serve you well. Don’t consider these as rules to bind you, but more as truths to guide you as you navigate the highs and lows of life, much in the same way as I have had the pleasure to navigate mine. You can call these rules if you like, but I prefer to call them advises and just something worth considering as you transition from young boys to reliable and responsible men.
The first piece of advice I’d like to give to you is do not buy a pet. I know it might sound strange coming from someone who loves the idea of a loyal dog, who you will always know when you were babies had dogs but hear me out. Before you bring an animal into your life, learn to take care of yourself and the people around you with your whole heart first. A pet won’t fill the gaps of loneliness or responsibility; it will more likely magnifies them. When I bought Zoe, I thought I need companionship, and I’m sure your mum felt the same way about Nala. What we really needed was to be patient, learn to love ourselves and others better. I’m not saying never buy a dog, I’m just saying be patient and instead focus your energy on serving others and learn what it means to love and care for other humans better first. I will repeat, it is not about saying “no” to a furry friend forever (unless you are thinking about getting a cat!) just make sure can guarantee you can offer the same kind of care, attention and love you would give to anyone else in your life, because I pet is a forever thing, a lot longer than you may realise.
Secondly, no good story starts with a salad. Life isn’t about perfection; it’s about experience. It’s the blend of triumphs and failures, laughter and tears, mistakes and lessons learned that make the best stories. Don’t be afraid to embrace life’s messiness. To say I haven’t had my fair share of messiness would be a lie. Form being married before I met your mother, to drunken nights out with Uncle Dunc and many more friends, to losing everything and gaining it all back. Life is always going to have its challenges, and we must be prepared they are coming. That being said, just because a wild decision might make a “good story” doesn’t mean it’s worth the regret. If you feel like something is outright foolish, take a moment to pause, think it through, and maybe pump the brakes for a moment or two. But don’t let the fear of mistakes hold you back. Life is to be lived, not tiptoed around. If you approach life sensibly, with the willingness to learn from your mistakes you will find a level of self-assurance and confidence that nobody can take away from you.
Thirdly, and probably one of the most important lessons I hope to pass onto you is, you are never alone. There’s a difference between being alone and being lonely. Even in your quietest, most isolated moments, you’re never truly alone. If you believe in God and love Jesus, you’ll carry the comfort of knowing you are seen, loved, and valued everywhere you go. Let your faith remind you that no matter where life takes you, you are surrounded by a love that is infinite. It’s not always about feeling God’s presence in a loud way; sometimes, it’s in the whispers of your heart during the toughest days that you’ll find Him walking with you. But always remember you are never alone, even though you may feel lonely. We brought you to Jesus because both your mum and I know he is there; he has been there with us many times over and it is only right you know he is with you too.
Finally, Stay in the game. To many people in life forget the power of compounded interest. Life isn’t about fleeting from one thing to the next at the first sign of discomfort or boredom. The modern world will try to sell you on the idea that everything is disposable—jobs, relationships, goals—but that’s not how we’re designed. Humans are – and have been for a very long time – meant to endure, to persist, and to find meaning in staying the course. It is important to note though, this doesn’t mean putting up with toxic situations or settling for something that crushes your spirit. If I had of done that, I would never have had you because I would still be in a toxic relationship, in a toxic work environment, and would never have had the opportunities we have created for this family. But it does mean choosing to commit, to work through challenges, and to see the beauty in the long haul. Consistency builds character, and persistence shapes purpose. The longer you can stay with the right game, the more rewards you will receive in the long run. I promise.
And before I’m done, this just came to my mind. Make a difference. Whatever you do, whether it’s big or small, make it count. Serve. Leave a mark on the people and the places you touch. It’s not about fame or recognition; it’s about living with purpose. Do everything with intention, whether it’s helping someone in need, pursuing a dream, or simply being kind in a world that desperately needs it. Be the person who brightens the room, lifts others up, and leaves the world better than you found it. Contrary to popular belief this is something I true to emulate to you always – even though sometimes I might fall short – but I do truly hope that you can take your mothers approach to this more than my own and be the spark in the room in a positive way, always aiming to make a difference to others days, and their life in general.
I want you to know how deeply I believe in each of you. In this life, and the ones that come after us. That after I’m gone, you will be able to take the reins and lead the Hook name into the future with bright shining colours. Life will throw challenges your way. But it will be through faith, resilience, and love, that you will have everything you need to thrive. Remember, I’m always here for you, cheering you on and loving you unconditionally. This isn’t goodbye, it isn’t even see you later, because I am here now. It is just…
Love,
Dad