For the son I lost hope of ever having. My miracle, my tender mercy and my great blessing.
So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about their religion;
Respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours.
Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.
Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend,
even a stranger in a lonely place.
Show respect to all people and grovel to none.
When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.
Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.
When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are
filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep
and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a
different way.
Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.
-Tecumseh
If I can instill the principles of this poem into the heart of my son, then I will consider myself a successful parent.
Marek: Form of "Mark" means "God of War" or "Warrior". Also found in the book "Timeline" by Michael Crichton.
Ignacio: My grandfather's name. Means "firey" or "light bringer/giver". Shortened to: "Nacho"
Valdivieso: Our last name (duh?) Means "Valley of the Old Man." Yeah, I don't know either, but I like it. :)
