A Letter to My Son on His Birthday: Eight is Great!

Today, we’ll be celebrating Edison’s birthday. He was born on Sept 11th eight years ago. I couldn’t help it but feeling incredibly nostalgic whenever this day comes. His birthday is also the birth of me as a mother. The sentimentality emerges within me at this time every year.

I think back to the many days and nights when it was exclusively us – just me and him. When he transformed me from a woman to a mother the day he was born. When I realized I could possibly love someone more than myself. And when I knew being with him at every step of his growth is the happiest thing that has ever happened to me.

As what I’ve done every year, I’m writing a birthday letter to him. Hopefully, when he grows up and read this letter, he knows what I want to tell him on all his birthdays.

So, here I am now, penning this birthday letter to my dear son. Perhaps it may also strike a chord with mothers everywhere – the endless unconditional love we have for our children, and the unequivocal pride we have as we watch them grow.

Dear Edison,

Eight years ago, you came into my world, and you changed me completely. It took me a while to accept the fact that I was a mother, and is going to be one forever. But now as I looked back, I couldn’t help but smile. It’s a feeling of fulfilment beyond words. Although I’m still not sure if I’m the best mother to you, I feel that I have done my VERY BEST.

You’re my first and only baby, and you’ll always be. Because of that, you and your needs are always at the top of my priorities. Whatever I do, wherever I am, and no matter what decision I made, I think of you. Someday when you’ve children of your own, you’ll be able to comprehend what all that means.

I want you to know how much I love to watch you.  I love watching you run, climb, swim, and jump. I love watching you throw, catch, and smile.  Your smile lights your face, and makes your beautiful spirit all the more engaging.

You and I – we’re bounded by a magical tie that only exists between us.  It is ME whom you’d come to in the middle of the night after a bad dream.  It is ME whom you’d express your frustrations at when things didn’t go the way you expected.  It is also ME whom you’d tell all your secrets to late at night. Please let it be ME – I’ll always be there for you whenever you need me.

You’re kind and considerate. You’re generous with your time and love. You work hard and play hard. You’re funny, silly, goofy and lovable. You’re obedient and listen to instructions. These are all the traits I wish for you as you grow up. My goal has always been to raise a happy, kind, generous, hard-working, and responsible boy. Thanks for making my job as your mother so easy.

I noticed that you’re growing up a little bit more lately. You eat adult-sized meal, and you enjoy a wholesome of food from mussels, crabs, squid, prawns, and even sashimi. You were less adventurous with food when you were younger. Papa and I love to see you enjoying a wide variety of food.

As you enter your 9th year, these are my reminders for you:

There is no substitute for family. Papa and I always stressed that our first priority is to take great care of you. We want you to be happy and healthy. Papa sometimes nags you at the slightest thing, but deep inside his heart, he’s a very protective father. He always protects his family and put his family at number one – which is something I want you to learn from him as you grow up.

Work hard, Play hard. You’re doing this beautifully now, but it won’t be easier for the years to come. As you grow up, the temptation to play more than you work will be stronger. It’s a challenge that you need to deal with. As I’ve always said, learning and expanding your knowledge is very important, it’s a continuous process, and it should be fun too. The harder you work, the better you will be. Success only comes to those who are prepared to put in the hard work, time, and persistence.

Always be happy.  Every single day, find something that makes you happy and do it.  Be it big or small – do an act of kindness, eat an ice-cream, call a friend, play your favourite game with Papa – it doesn’t matter. What matters most is you spend a portion of each day smiling and laughing. Papa and I always want you to be happy. And happiness is all the little things that make your life awesome.

Happy 8th Birthday!

I love you always – Mama