Young men. Hear me. You are not alone. I turned 50 last year and am here, watching and listening to you. It’s 4th of July and perhaps you are alone. Despondent and wondering why you are so isolated. DO NOT HURT YOURSELF. I know the feeling you have, that sense of emptiness and loneliness. You are not alone young man - I cherish you and am proud of you. Put the drugs down - put the bottle down - breathe. I am your dad - I am your mentor - and I AM PROUD OF YOU. No matter your race or current financial status - you are my son. I am abused by my mom and dad, beaten, despondent and alone. I felt a void that even today still is not filled - yet I rise and I hold you close and tell you this young man - RISE! Stand with me as we face life and all the bullshit it puts on us. RISE! Stand with me. Put the gun down. Put the bottle down - stand with me and together, we will thrive. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I.... am.... proud.... of you. God damn it... put that gun down. You are my son. If no one else will claim you ... I WILL. You are good enough. Your very existence makes the world better. I, like you, ache. That ache that seeks to be more. I get it. Put the bottle down. Put the gun down. Let your dad, me, tell you, You, young man, are my hero. I love and am proud of you beyond even what you know.... you are my son - in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17 - this is my son, in whom I am well pleased.