When I was a kid Shaq was coming into the spotlight. I recall that his step-father was a military man and was very tough. Seems like he understands the value of that kind of love.

I challenge anyone to say that it is much harder to take something for granted that you worked for. That was hard. I know that I take many things for granted because they are not hard (no proof of work). I even lose my gratitude at times on things I did work hard for. Its a human condition we have to fight if we care about ourselves and our decedents.

Our culture (me included) is very self-centered. We act as if the world owes us all something. It doesn't. Life can be hard. Its what you make of it. Life isn't fair. So what. What are you gonna do about it? Make the best of it. Appreciate what you have. Don't expect a hand out. Don't expect respect. Earn it.

None of us started at the same spot. I had many things my father never did. I didn't earn them. He did. He made me work when I wanted to be lazy. He made mistakes but I can't focus on his mistakes. I need to focus on being the best I can be and guiding the young men God entrusted me with. In the end though, its up to them.

I know I've made mistakes. I'm human. We all do. I don't have Shaq's wealth and never will regardless of bitcoin but the principle he is demonstrating applies to all of us. Do what is best for you kids. Not what is nice or they want. You don't have to be cruel and you shouldn't be. But at this point in my life I'm glad my dad was tough on me. It made me stronger. When I look around I think we are soft in general as a people. I think I'm softer than I should be. I just had an easier life. And yet, I know many people that would look at my life and say they had it easier. That's just how it is.