EPISODE SUMMARY
I’ve been thinking a lot about time lately—how fast it moves and how easy it is to assume there will always be more of it. I catch myself thinking I’ll say something later, have that conversation another day, or make sure my kids know what I’m thinking someday.
But the truth is, I’ve missed moments. Real ones. Times where I noticed something good, something meaningful, and didn’t say it out loud. And those moments stick with me more than I expected.
I’m starting to understand that the small, everyday moments are actually the big ones. Those quick chances to speak pride, encouragement, or love—they matter more than we realize. And I don’t want to keep letting those pass by.
So this is me choosing to say it now. To slow things down, be intentional, and make sure my kids hear what matters most. Not perfectly, not scripted—just real, honest, and from the heart.
SHOW NOTES
- Why these letters began
- A message about time and presence
- Don’t wait to say what matters
- Small moments carry big meaning
- A message from Dad
Transcript
This is Mr. Funky Teacher.
And this is Funky Letters to My Kids.
Today’s episode is called Why I Started These Letters.
This one is for you, Maya, Carter, and Gavin.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about time…
How fast it moves… how moments come and go…
And how easy it is to assume there will always be more time later to say the things that matter.
And the truth is… sometimes we wait.
We think… I’ll say that later.
I’ll have that conversation another day.
I’ll make sure they know… someday.
There have been moments—real moments—where I’ve thought about saying something to you, and I didn’t.
Nothing big on the outside… just small things.
Like telling you how proud I was after something you did…
Or noticing something about you…
The way you handled a situation…
The way you treated someone…
And thinking, man… that was really good.
But instead of saying it right then…
I told myself, I’ll tell them later.
And then later came… and went.
And the moment passed.
And I realized something…
Those moments matter.
Those little things… those everyday moments…
Those are actually the big things.
And I don’t want to miss those anymore.
Because someday… is not promised.
And I don’t ever want to leave the important things unsaid to you.
I want you to hear my voice.
I want you to know what I believe.
I want you to know what matters to me…
And what I hope matters to you.
Not just through random conversations here and there…
But clearly… intentionally…
And in a way that lasts.
Right now… I’m just really thankful for something.
I’m thankful that I get to be your dad.
There’s nothing bigger than that in my life.
So this is me talking to you.
Because life gets busy.
Days move fast.
And even though we’re together all the time right now…
I know that won’t always be the case.
You’re growing up.
You’re becoming your own people.
And one day… you’ll be out in the world—
Making your own decisions…
Building your own lives…
Facing your own challenges.
And when that happens…
I want you to have something you can come back to.
Something steady.
Something real.
These letters are that.
This is me slowing things down…
And saying the things that matter most to you.
Not perfectly.
Not scripted.
Just… truly.
Raw.
Authentic.
Honest.
I don’t expect you to listen to every single one right away.
Maybe you won’t.
Maybe these just sit right here for a while.
But someday… you might come back…
And hear them differently.
And if that happens even once…
Then this was worth it.
If there’s one thing I want you to hear from me right now… from the beginning… it’s this:
Y’all… life isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about being real.
Maya, Carter, Gavin…
It’s about how you treat people.
How you show up.
And how you keep growing.
At the end of the day, this is what it comes down to:
Be who you are.
Treat people right.
Keep growing.
And remember…
You can change the world by how you live every day.
Go make a difference.
I’m proud of you.
And I love you.
Dad.