Today, yet another monkie in the household hits double digits. Ayd turns 10 and like how every parent feels, where on earth did the past 10 years gone???
10 years ago, he came into our world and made me a Dad for a second time. I am amazed how blessed I feel all these years to be his Dad, that he has given both the wifey and I the chance to guide him, love him and enjoy all the little moments life has to offer us.
He is kind.
He is generous with his love.
He loves his books.
Hi is goofy, funny and lovable - a combo of all things that make him Ayd.
As all parents do, I have goals, dreams and wishes for him. And I have plenty of them, but on this 10th anniversary of Ayd coming into my life, I will limit myself to the 10 things I want him to know:
1. Stay kind. Do not ever let anyone tell you that you are too sensitive. You are the first to comfort Ash when he is sad, hold Ale’s hand when she is scared, ask your Mummy if she is feeling better when she is sick. Your affection and kindness is what makes you, you and do not ever let it go away.
2. Work hard and play hard. You have an equal amount of passion when it comes to studying and playing games on the iPad and thankfully, you know how to prioritise. But as you grow older, the temptation to play more than you work will be stronger but always remember that the harder you work, the harder you will be able to play too.
3. Always be confident in your own skin. Do not let anyone or anything put you down and make you feel worthless. Have faith in your own feelings, and stand your ground. Be proud of who you are. Be Ayd.
4. It is okay to disagree with me, and others. You are old enough to have a point of view, and I want to hear it. So do those who love you. Of course, do not pick fights just for the sake of it but tell me when you really feel when I am wrong.
5. Know that I will never stop being here for you. I may not always say it but I am always proud of you.
6. Keep reading. I am immensely heartened and pleased to see your love for reading. Never mind books, even the outdoor signs and posters in the public toilets always make for a good read ever since you were young! Never ever lose that thirst for knowledge.
7. Losing is growing. How I wish I could tell you that you will never fail, that you will always win a medal and that you will score an A* in your exam every time. But the reality is even if it were true, I do not want it to be. Because with every failure, you will have the chance to learn from your mistakes and improve. Life sure isn't perfect so learning from your failures makes you more resilient.
8. Be humble. Aim to be the very best, but let your actions speak for themselves. Being confident is a fantastic thing, but being cocky is uncool.
9. Take pride in your work. Put in 100% in everything that you do. Never mind the result, as long as you put in the effort with the correct attitude.
10. We love you. I know that I am sometimes impatient and raise my voice at you, and I am sorry. I love you and your siblings so very much and I always want the best for you. And as I strive to be a better Dad every single day, know that your Mummy and I will always support you and be here to pick you up when you need us. I love you with every fibre of my being. No matter what.
I realize as I write this that in 10 more years, you will be twenty and be well on your way to being a man. My heart aches knowing soon that you will be starting a whole new journey that won’t always involve me.
But know that I (and your Mummy) will always adore you and be so very proud of you.
Happy 10th Birthday, son!
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1 comment :
Being a parent myself, its really having mixed emotions seeing your own little ones getting bigger each year.
Reading what you wrote for Ayd is really good advice for him (and for me as well! So that I know what to teach my girls.)
Happy 10th birthday Ayd!
And good job to both you and your wife for bringing him up really well!
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