Apology To My Nephew

Dear Nephew,

I know you may not see this, or read this.
But I'm sincerely sorry for being so hard on you.
For being so tough on you.
You are the spitting image of who I was.
And how I myself was being raised.
The easy life. The privileged life.
My sis, your mother, giving you the world.
But she can't raise a man, by giving you boy treatment.
I'm sorry for trying to make you grow up faster than you should.
The world is unfair. And It wanted you built strong for it.
When you said "I wish I was you uncle."
No, you don't want to be me, you become BETTER than your old man.
You be everything that I am not nephew.
Your old man is broken, full of false promises, and failed dreams.
Your old man speaks but never acts, your old man is still a boy himself.
Sorry for all those times making you cry.
When you wanted to give up, I gave you no choice but to fight back.
When you wanted to rest, I told you to keep running.
When you were tired, I told you one more push.
When you hit your limits, I told you to surpass them.
And when you weren't taking responsibilities, I gave you something to work for.
I won't be here forever, Just wanted to give you what I never had.
A tough mentor, a wise teacher, a inspirational coach.
A man, someone your own father isn't. Irresponsible. Full of lies.
But who am I to talk, when I'm not a man myself yet.
Your moms cant take up both roles little man.
And you'll one day be a man of your own.
But I promise I wont take your childhood from you, at the cost of my ignorance.
You still have so much life to live.
You've come from a incubator, premature, and you're still a blessing.
You're a survivor kid.
When you read this one day, just know i'm proud of you.

To many years ahead,
Christian W.