FROM THE ARCHIVES FOR THE PRESENT DAY

Nneoma Chuku ( @duchess153 )

Few weeks ago, I came across this write up in my archives. It was written on one of the frames we had at home growing up which I really can’t tell where it is at the moment. Anyway, I loved it so much as I child that I wrote it down in my book of poetry. Reading through the piece brought back such pleasant memories and nostalgia, that I thought to share it.

In a society, fast loosing so many values, either because they are not being taught or being ignored. This might serve as a reminder to us of values once cherished.

As a parent or older sibling, you might find this as interesting as I did. I hope u enjoy this piece.

LETTER FROM ABRAHAM LINCOLN TO HIS SON’S TEACHER

He will have to learn, I know; that all men are not just, all men are not true, but

Teach him that for every scoundrel, there’s a hero; that for every politician, there’s a dedicated leader

Teach him that for every enemy, there’s a friend

Teach him that a dollar earned is of far more value than five dollars found

Teach him to learn to lose and also enjoy winning; steer him away from envy if you can

Teach him the secret of quiet laughter

Teach him to enjoy the quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, flowers on a green hillside

In school, teach him that it is far honourable to fail than to cheat.

Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him that they are wrong

Teach him to be gentle with gentle people, tough with tough people

Try to give him the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone is getting on the band wagon

Teach him to listen to all men but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth and take only the good that comes through

Teach him how to laugh when he is sad

Teach him that there is no shame in tears

Teach him to close his ears to howling mob; and to stand nd fight if he thinks he is right

Teach him gently but do not cuddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel

Let him have the courage to be impatient, let him have the patience to be brave

Teach him to always have faith in his creator and and faith in himself too because then he will always have faith in mankind

This is a big order, but please see what you can do. He is such a fine little fellow, my son

Abraham Lincoln