Dear Jaden,

First, I would like to tell you I love you. I know I’ve told you that every day for the last three years. Your mother and I never thought we could create something so special. You are the sun that shines no matter what kind of crazy weather we have here in Chicago.

The morning that the doctor placed you in my arms, I got the same tingling feeling when I asked your mother to marry me, and the same feeling when your Papa Payton and I took the gifts to the families that weren’t able to have Christmas.

Jaden, you are my passion, my alarm clock, my Bub Bub, IHOP date and co-owner of Payton Sports Academy (your mom is the CFO). I remember the days when I was unsure of the kind of dad I would be, and now I can’t remember what life was like without you.

Son, every night that I close my eyes I pray to God for protection over you and your mom. I also pray that I can be a true man of faith, and one that you can always look to in a time of need. There is no manual on how to be a dad. I might mess up here and there along the way, but as you grow you will understand we are all a work in progress.

Your mom is the most amazing person in this world, Son. She is what keeps our family’s vessel moving. It’s pretty similar to how GiGi was when I was growing up. Our mother’s characteristics leave a huge imprint on our lives. I married your mom because she had a heart like your GiGi. One day you will fall in love. Just make sure she has a heart like your mother.

Just to let you in on a little secret…you are just like your Papa Payton. It scares me sometimes because I see so much of him in you. If he was still with us son, I could only imagine the cool things the three of us would be doing.

As you grow I want you to always remember a few things:

1. Always keep God first.
2. Always keep family second.
3. Treat people like you want to be treated.
4. Treat girls with respect like you treat your mom.
5. Never Die Easy!
6. Don’t be like me – be better than me.
7. Never put on anything that is green and yellow.
8. Always have a passion for everything you do.
9. Your Papa is the best football player ever.
10. Always remember #1.

Son, you make me so very proud and thankful to God that He bestowed the honor on me to be your dad. When I was 12 years old, your Papa Payton told me, Aunt B and GiGi that we would never have to worry about anything for the rest of our lives. Jaden, the same goes for you and your mom.

In closing, I love you very much Jaden Thomas Payton. You’re getting big so fast, but I enjoy seeing you grow on your own road of life. Some people judge their success on material things and their money in the bank. Having you as my son is how I judge mine. Happy Birthday JTP!

Love,

Dad

Happy Birthday Jaden