Dear Old Man,
You probably already know what I’m going to tell you, but I think you need to hear it from me. I would have rather told you in person, but frankly, you scare the shit out of me.
I don’t know why you helped me 15 years ago. I wouldn’t have helped me. I was an angry mess of a kid who was pretty near the bottom of the barrel. When you helped me that night, saved me from that gang, I couldn’t understand why. No one had ever showed me that kind of sympathy before. I’m still not sure why you did it, actually, why you picked me. It wasn’t because I just happened to show up on your doorstep. One thing I’ve learned about you is you never wait for anything. You make your own opportunities.
After you saved me, I effectively stole your biggest secret, made it my own, and still you put up with me. Not only did you put up with me, you taught me things. Not necessarily Shaolin Nam Pai Chuan (even though I’m sure you know it) but other things. Before I knew it, my anger at the world had melted away. I finally learned direction, and a cause. You taught me not only to have hope, but to provide it.
Recently I became angry for the first time in a long time. I forgot myself. I felt betrayed, lied to and used. I blamed the people at fault, but most of all I blamed you. I think I was so angry because I forgot your methods for a time, and I had felt so comfortable in my life, I had forgotten what it was like to be hurt by the people closest to you. I made a lot of bad decisions that week. But I think in the end I overcame my selfishness and saw the bigger picture.
I don’t know who will go first, you or me. Probably me. You’re the most stubborn and tenacious person I’ve ever met. Except maybe for Waller. In case I do go first, I prepared this just in case.
Thanks, old man, for everything.
With gratitude,
Your Son.
I dare say, you'll probably not guess it unless you're familiar with a certain animated adaptation of a popular universe. ;)
