I suppose that the time capsule in which this memo is to be placed
will primarily be of interest to you two at some point in the future.  I am
therefore addressing it to you.
     Although, I could discuss many things, I choose to tell you about some
of the lessons that I have learned about life and that I consider
particularly valuable.
     1.  Approach life with gratefulness:  Be grateful for a sunny day, and
for a rainy day (which has its own magic if you look for it).  Look for
simple things in life to be thankful for: a casual conversation with a
friend, finding a parking spot, a delicious apple.  Once we adopt the habit
of being on the lookout for things to be thankful for, they appear in
abundance and our life is filled with blessings.
 

     2.  Everyone is doing the best they can:  The person who deliberately
chooses to do an evil act is rare.  Most of what we do that irritates
others, or that others do that irritates us, is inadvertent rather than
intentional.
     In relationships with others, seek clarity and compassion.  Everyone
struggles with their own concerns, with their inclination to be
self-involved or preoccupied with their own interests, rather than aware of
others and sensitive to their needs.  We can start with the assumption that
people intend to cause us harm or irritation and we will spend much of our
lives in anger, being critical of others -- or we can start with the
assumption that no one wishes to hurt us, that others are simply absorbed
with their own worries, and that everyone is doing the best that he or she
can.
   
 
      3.  Let people be who they are:  None of us has the right and we
certainly have no obligation to change anyone else.  We cannot know what is
best for anyone else or what would suit their personality better.  The
human personality is so intricate that it is hazardous and presumptuous for
us to try to change anyone.
     
 
    4.  The best things in life aren't things:  It takes effort to resist
the consumer values of our culture, and to remain aware that we do not
need, and do not derive commensurate enjoyment from, many of the things
that we are urged to acquire -- at the cost of spending so much of our
lives working to earn the money to buy them.  The one who dies with the
most toys, still dies, and the things that we own, own us.  The measure of
an individual is not what he or she has -- but what he or she is.
     There are two ways to feel wealthy:  Earn more or desire less.  It is
important to exercise some critical judgment about the things that we are
encouraged to desire, so that we do not spend out lives working excessively
to obtain things that do not significantly enhance our lives.
     
 
        5.  This is my movie:  Each of us is living his or her own drama -- it
is not a dress rehearsal.  And each of us is the principal actor,
playwright, director, producer and audience of the movie or play that is
our life.  We have to recognize and accept our personal responsibility for
our movie and not see ourselves as victims of circumstances or the
influence of others.  We must constantly ask ourselves -- Is this the way I
want my movie to turn out?  And if it isn't, we have to take action to make
the changes that are necessary.  Each play is unique and is the most
authentic expression of who we are.  It is the single most important and
creative act that we are capable of.
     Live fully every scene and every line, with awareness that the play is
of infinite value because it is performed only once and then never again.
     All the best of good wishes for good things in abundance in the New
Year.  With Love.