I'm not quite sure why this birthday post for Ale seems harder for me to write compared to others. After all, it isn't as if I haven't been here before - her two older brothers turned 11 long time ago and it should have been a been-there-done-that kind of feeling.
But yet, here I am. All choked up with emotions... unwilling to accept the fact that Ale turns 11 today.
HOW ON EARTH DID WE GET HERE SO FAST?
As I sit here typing this, consuming a near-lethal amount of caffeine, I can’t stop thanking my lucky stars that I have her. Because I just can’t believe that 11 years ago today she was born - for the wifey and me.
I can still picture her the minute she was born.
But somewhere along the way, she started growing up, looking older and becoming more mature. Her lovely smile and aptitude for goofiness still remains, but somewhere beneath that surface, I see a teenager simmering. And my heart aches a little every time I think of it.
Why do kids grow up so quickly?
But yet, I am thankful.
In the past year, she has found love in Japanese anime and manga... something that I have also loved when I was younger. But due to life's commitments, I never did have the time nor energy to continue watching anime and reading manga after university. And my 2 boys never did share that same kind of love for them.
That all changed in the past year. Because my dear daughter became a huge fan.
Suddenly, I was asked by her to accompany her to watch Demon Slayer, The Promised Neverland, Jujutsu Kaisen... and many more. And discovered my long lost love for anime once more. In fact, I have to admit I was over the moon when I overheard telling the wifey that, "I'm so happy that Papa watches anime with me!" 😍
Yes, I even theme-dress with her. 😍
I am thankful that she has grown older because spending time with her, discussing anime plots and finding out when the next anime season arrives are such joys. Oh, and still snuggling beside me and giving me a gentle hug... that's always welcome.
So to my dearest Ale, this is what I want you to know on your 11th birthday:
You can be anything you want in life, baby. You are bright, make friends easily and full of life. You are both confident and stubborn, bold and beautiful, kind and curious. And yet, there is so much more to learn.
Some would say that you are on the cusp of womanhood. But while I strongly demand a second opinion, I know you are meant to keep growing, journeying into the young girl and then eventually the young woman you will become.
I love you, Ale and will give you everything (except all of my blood because you know, it's disadvantageous for me). You fill me with joy each and every moment of every day. The past 11 years have been awesome and I just can’t wait to see what comes next!
Just know this - each small step you are taking along the way is helping you build the character that will guide you in to teenhood, adulthood and beyond. And I know I am so lucky to witness it, to learn from you and to have a hand in guiding you along the way.
To state the obvious, I will never stop loving and protecting you totally and completely.
No matter what.
I will always have your back. (Future suitors, you've been warned)
Happy Birthday, my angel.
Love,
Papa
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