How can it be that six years has already passed us by?
A Letter to My Son on His Sixth Birthday
Six years ago, on a Wednesday before Thanksgiving, just like today, you made me an umma. You brought into my life an instantaneous, selfless love that swept me off my feet.
I know I will probably say this every year now and into the future. But, this year, boy was it a big one.
While the days seem to fly by faster and faster, seeing you grow up and into your own person is a joy that I’m so grateful to experience each day.
Just a few months ago, you stepped into the big world of Kindergarten.
I won’t lie, I had my share of worries and fears. Your tender heart and cautious spirit; to send you off into the hands of your teachers and peers. It was a HUGE leap of faith. While I thought it would be a hard transition for you, I’ve quickly realized that it was probably harder for me than anyone else. And I have a feeling that the new milestones ahead of us will be much of the same.
Your transition to the “big kids” school has been smooth sailing from day one.
You are so excited for school and thriving in your independence. You have shown us how much you love to learn. How much you love to forge new friendships. And how much you can handle both at school and at home.
It’s not always the easiest job being the big brother to two little brothers. But your love for them runs deep and I am so thankful that they have you to navigate the waters ahead.
You may fight like cats and dogs, but you love each other just as fiercely.
And if that’s not a testament to the ever growing bond between the three of you, I’m not sure what is. (And believe me, I’m speaking from experience because your samchoon and I were exactly the same way as the three of you are each day.)
These days you love building LEGOs, writing stories, reading books, drawing/crafting and playing super heroes. Thankfully, you’ve got a built in squad at home. There isn’t a quiet day in our house as it is filled to the brim with laughter, shrieks, cries, screams, and all the other noises you and your little squad like to make.
The building of forts and endless wrestling matches are a daily occurrence. Best of all, your favorite time is the QT you get to play with your dad. And boy, oh boy, the love and adoration you have for him is unlike any other. He hangs the moon for you every night. And you truly are growing up to be his little mini-me in so many ways.
You are venturing out and learning to play new sports.
Your love for the arts grows creatively with each passing day. There are just so many new things that I’m learning about you, that I can only hope to savor each moment before it all passes us by.
As much as I don’t want to admit it, you are quickly growing into a big boy before my eyes. Your quiet and subtle confidence, your intuitive forethought, your big heart and consideration for others. These are all qualities that I know will carry you through now during your school years and far into the days as a grown up.
I read a quote the other day that made me think of you and your brothers.
“It’s not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.” – LR Knost
Seeing you grow this past year is just the affirmation I needed to know that your dad and I are headed in the right direction.
Happy sixth birthday to you, our first born! We love you so, so much big boy. May you continue to dream big dreams, my sweet A.
