Go Tell It On the Mountain
When joy peaks, truth follows
Hello little one,
It’s a beautiful Friday afternoon. The serene blue sky is glowing with potential. The warmth of the sun feels like a hug from God Himself.
I’m writing to you today in a stage of life that I feel I will look back on as one of the best I’ve ever experienced. So far in my life, it’s been one of the richest seasons I’ve known. I want to share it with you.
A few weeks ago, on May 24th, 2025, I proposed to your mother, Danielle. At the base of mountains, overlooking a crystalline lake, I professed to her my love. The deep impact she’s had on my life cannot be understated. I bent down on one knee and made the ultimate commitment, or rather, made the commitment to later make the ultimate commitment. It is the memory that I hold most dearly. Shortly afterwards, I closed my eyes and played it over and over in my head so as to never lose it.
That day was just the start.
The last few weeks have led to only more core life memories. The tearful celebratory calls after the engagement, with your grandparents, with your aunts and uncles, the start of two families becoming one. I’ll never forget the way Grandma Kris and Papa Rob greeted us upon arriving back home in Des Moines. Your grandmother stopped in place, put her hand on her heart, and broke into tears. The embrace that we shared is one that I look forward to sharing with you one day.
Grandma Jodi and Grandpa Jim came down to visit us the weekend after we were back. We spent the days they were here sharing stories, laughing, and embracing the new bond your mother and I now share. They were the first to see the video we have of our engagement. We all cried as we watched that beautiful moment play out once again.
We’re headed to Minnesota this weekend to celebrate more with friends and family.
The jubilation I feel waking up each morning since that day is precious. Unlike anything I’ve ever felt before in my life.
It’s caused me to reflect on how I got to this place. How life has transpired to put me right where I am. It also has shown me how wrong my outlook has been for so many years.
As you’ll learn, our society today feeds us feigned visions of successful lives. Money, excess, fame, hustle, constant stimulation. All things that are glorified, none that are fulfilling.
Don’t fall under this illusion.
Life is paradoxical in many ways but the one most prescient in my life today, is the infinitely deep complexity of life’s simplicity.
Success in life is really quite simple.
Love your family fully.
Build and nurture community.
Welcome others with kindness.
Challenge yourself daily.
Embrace new experiences.
Trust openly.
Love without reservation.
Be the best you that you can be. In every role life calls you into—parent, partner, leader, friend—give it everything you have. Never stop pushing for excellence.
These aren’t the things that will fill your bank account or earn you applause. They won’t make headlines or come with trophies.
But they will become your legacy. They will shape the best moments of your life and fill your hands with the things you’ll one day cling to most.
The things that matter.
None of this is new wisdom. But for the first time, it doesn’t feel like something I’ve just heard. It feels like something I know.
So little one, I’m here today to tell you that truth is found in the simple things. The ones without fanfare, without glorification.
Never stop seeking them.
I love you,
Brady
Message to the reader: We’re back.