Have you ever had one of those moments when you really needed a pick-me-up? You know, one of those moments when you’re feeling so low you can only see the negative side of EVERYTHING. Of course. We’ve all felt that way before.

I was recently in one of those funks after receiving another crushing “no thank you” for a writing position I had applied for. Long story short, everything was progressing smoothly and all the stars seemed perfectly aligned. And then all of a sudden, they weren’t.

I just couldn’t figure out why they had turned me down. I was shocked. So as I sat there feeling about as good as a used diaper, I got a phone call out of the blue. It was from my 17-year-old son.

Now, the fact that he was calling me was a surprise all by itself. He usually doesn’t. Even when he needs something, he’ll usually call his mom first.

But it was even more surprising, and a little unsettling, because he was in school. And he’s been told not to use his phone during school hours unless it’s an emergency. So I answered with a little trepidation.

However, I could quickly tell that nothing was wrong. Me: “Hey buddy.” Him: “Hey…You got a minute?” Me: “Yep.” As you can see, this was a deep conversation.

But then things changed. He proceeded to tell me that he was in his leadership class and that the teacher had assigned the class to choose someone who has been a positive influence on them and to write a paragraph telling that person what his or her influence has meant to them. He chose me!

The students didn’t know it at the time they wrote their paragraphs, but when they were done the teacher told them to call that person and read them their short letters.

So here is what my 17-year-old son wrote and read to me over the phone (have some tissue handy):

“Dear Dad, you have influenced me in so many ways. Thank you for always trying to do what is best for me. I know I’m a pain sometimes and I’m trying to do better. I just want you to know that I am so thankful for all that you do. Thank you for always being there for me. One thing that always stands out to me is when you tell me I have a ton of potential. It means so much to me to hear that from you. You mean the world to me. Love you so much.”

Through my tears I said: “Ah, Tyler, why’d you have to go and make us cry.” Yes, he was crying, too. It was a very tender moment that came at the perfect time.

Right before he called, I was feeling like a failure, but he reminded me that success comes in many forms. And he also reminded me that being a successful dad is way more important than any other type of success I could have.

This giant pick-me-up came at the perfect time. He is a great kid and I admire him so much. He might not realize it, but he has been a very positive influence in my life, as well.

All my kids have. In fact, right after we got off the phone, I reluctantly sat down to play a game with my four-year-old daughter, who said after a few minutes into our game: “It sure is fun spending time with my dad.”

So a big thank you to my kids for lifting me up at a moment when life had really knocked me down.