Letter given to Anaya on her birthday:

Our precious child,

You were our love at first sight.  We always wanted a daughter and there you were. 8 years ago. Perfect tiny human. From that moment, you had a sparkle in your eyes. Looking all around with your big eyes. Till now, you are still the same grasping everything around you with a sparkle in your eyes.

Your daddy and I are so grateful to have watched you grown into this beautiful, intelligent, imaginative, strong, argumentative, determined and smart young girl. You are everything we had always hoped for and much more. We would never be able to tell you how much we love you because no words are enough for that.

We both are insanely proud of you, baby. We are happy that you are becoming independent. You are a voracious reader and you writing skills are out of this world. You have beautiful imagination. You tell the best jokes and the most fascinating facts. You sometimes blow us over with your wisdom. You are kind and considerable. You listen to your parents. You study so well. You dance beautifully and working so hard to learn keyboard. We are so proud of how you worked hard to learn to ride bicycle. I know it was not easy for you. You overcame your fears and gave it your all.

Love, we are hard on you sometimes. We set high expectations for you to reach but remember we will never feel disappointed in you even if you don’t achieve them. We set those expectations because we want you to achieve everything you desire.

Sunshine, now that you are growing up and understanding many things, we want to share with you some life lessons that will help you forever in your life. Some your grandparents taught us, some we read and some we experienced.

1. You are gorgeous, funny, smart, intelligent.  Someone who tells you otherwise is not worth it.

2. We love you no matter what. We are always there for you. However big mistake you make, we may get disappointed or scold you harshly but our love for you will never ever diminish. There is nothing you can do or say that will ever change the way we love you.

3. Always remember, inner beauty is much more important outer beauty.

4. Choose your friends carefully. Choose friends who help you grow in some way.

5.  Do not blindly follow others. Do what you feel right or what you need to do to be better.

6. Remember you are privileged. Not many are. Always be grateful for that.

7. Neve stop reading. You will learn a lot from them.

8. There is no substitute for hard work.

9. Complain less. Complaining doesn’t change anything except worsen your mood.

10. You can tell anything to your mom and Dad. Your fears, your insecurities, your problems. We would love to hear you and we would do our best to help you.

11. When someone gives you advice, listen without irritation. They are sharing their experience with you. Whether you want to follow it or not is in your hands.

12. There are so many people who love you dearly. Always remember that.

13. You will make mistakes. That is OK. Learn from them.

14. Try to find joy in simple things.

15. Never stop or be afraid to ask questions. It helps to learn new things.

16. Always dream big. Who can’t think big are not able to achieve big things in life but don’t be disappointed with failures. Failure isn’t a weakness but a stepping stone.

17. Give your whole heart to whatever you do otherwise you are just wasting time and money.

18. Be confident. You can do anything.

19. Apologize when you are wrong. It doesn’t make you smaller.

20. If you can’t share something with your parents or are not comfortable doing it, don’t do it.

21. Have all the fun but never compromise on your studies. Only good education will take you places.

That’s all for now. We hope you enjoy reading this letter. Your mamma and daddy are trying their best to raise you right. We make mistakes. We shout. We get frustrated. We are sorry for that but always keep in mind we love you and want the best for you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DARLING!

Lots of love,

Mamma and Daddy.