This is a letter I wrote my daughter a couple years ago.

“Alexia, Lexi, Lex, Fred,

There are very few things in this world that I think reflect the Lord as well as kindness to others. Looking at Jesus’ life, we can see a lot of examples when he chose to be simply kind. He didn’t have to talk a lot about it, He didn’t tell others that He did it, He just did it. He didn’t ask for others to be kind to Him, but that we be kind to each other.

Albert Einstein said that a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. Mother Teresa dedicated her life to the service of the under privileged and ill. Gandhi spent his life uniting others in an effort to drive universal compassion. Any time we look to great examples, or turn our focus to religious principles, we see the theme that kindness to others is key. St. Matthew in the Bible explains this as “The Golden Rule.” This “rule” is found in almost every single religion. The Buddha said, “One should seek for others the happiness one desires for oneself.”

So this great thing that I think Jesus was trying to teach us, this ultimate lesson, the second greatest commandment (next to love God), is the core of what Jesus thought this whole world is about. So what? Why am I going on about it? Because of all the people I know, you do this the best. You show love for the people around you, you’re kind to people even if they aren’t to you and you have proven to have an altruistic heart in a world of selfish, hurtful narcissists. This is, to me, a real reflection of true religion – religion being your relationship with God and the Universe.

The challenge will be continuing that throughout your life. Will you be able to be an instrument for peace? Where there is hatred, will you sow love? Where there is injury, pardon? Where there is doubt, faith? Where there is despair, will you give hope to the people around you? Where there is darkness, can you help bring the light? Where there is sadness, can you find joy? I believe you can, and will. I have told people before that you are the very best of who I wish I could be. You are such a great example to me of what kind of person really shows kindness to people – even when you don’t have to.

You’re an amazing young woman, and I just know that you will be an amazing woman as you grow up. I am grateful and fortunate to be part of that life with you.

With all my love,

Dad”