BIRTHDAY LETTERS

When my eldest child celebrated their first birthday, it marked a significant milestone for both my wife and me. It was a momentous occasion to honor our son's growth and to reflect on our journey as parents.

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On that special day, I made a commitment to write a heartfelt letter to each of my children every year on their birthday, capturing the essence of the past year of their lives, our family dynamics, and snippets of world events. These letters, spanning about a page or two, serve as a record of highlights and milestones. I take the opportunity to express my pride in who they are becoming and share our family's triumphs and challenges, including our struggles with conceiving our second child.

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I write these letters with two main objectives in mind. Firstly, I aim to provide them with a tangible record of their life's journey. Secondly, I want them to understand the joys and hardships I've experienced as a man and a father. This practice not only builds a legacy but also ensures that, in the unfortunate event of my absence, they have a firsthand account from me about their identity, my admiration for them, and the depth of my love.

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I encourage other parents to adopt this practice, as it fosters reflection on our roles as fathers and guides us in charting our course for the future. Reflecting on my experience, my only regret is not initiating this tradition for my wife when we first married—indeed, it would make a meaningful anniversary ritual.

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Let's embrace the power of heartfelt communication and leave behind a legacy of love and understanding for our children to cherish.