For Aldy on His Birthday

November 10, 2011

Dear Aldy,

You are seven years old! I can’t believe that, but what I do believe is that you are the greatest ever.  I am beyond amazed that I have a child who is only seven years old, and yet I don’t feel the need to worry about you at all – you will do just fine in life, come what may. That sounds crazy given how tough the world can be, but I know it is true.  There is just something about you little buddy.  No matter what happens, you will be able to work your way through it, and not just survive, but thrive.

The reasons would make a list a mile long, but let me write a few:

• You are a really good person.  You are always trying to do what is right, to understand other people, and to be fair and kind and helpful.  You are just a great kid that way.  Those qualities will be really important when you grow up, too.
• You are a great friend.  I can hear it in your voice whenever you talk about your friends and cousins – you love them, and they mean a lot to you. You are always excited to see them, and your affection is so genuine.  I hope you never take for granted the joy and love that comes with being a good friend.  It is one of the most important things you can ever be.
• You are true to yourself, and have incredible integrity.  If something is not right or doesn’t feel good to you, you just won't do it, period, no matter how much pressure there is to cave in. It may not seem like it some times, but I love this about you.  Always listen to your heart and the Holy Spirit, Aldy, and do what they tell you, no matter what.  If you do, everything will work for your good in the end.  I know you will resist any pressure to do wrong, sell out, give in, or go with the mediocre flow, and it makes me so happy.  It is an important key to a wonderful life. 
• You have an amazing ability to focus.  I have never seen anyone with your ability to concentrate and see a project through to the end.  Thousands of Lego pieces, with three-volume instructions? No problem, even if it takes two days straight, with virtually no breaks, to build it. 'Nuf said.  
• You are really smart.  Speaking, reading, writing, even learning math in Chinese as a first grader. Reading verses from Isaiah without assistance during family scripture study.  Complete computer-savviness even before you could read.  Beating your father at Angry Birds every time.  Calculating Pi out to the 20^th decimal point – ok, so maybe beating dad at Angry Birds isn't so impressive, and maybe I made that last one up, but really, need I say more? You just rock.
• You are persistent, and won’t take no for an answer.  While this can be excruciating for your parents, with some fine-tuning it will be a great skill for you one day.  You already get so much more out of us than you should just because it wears us down to have to say no.  We are very hopeful that our pain becomes your gain – in persuading others about your ideas or inventions, whatever they may be.
• Simple things make you happy. The other day, you told me “Dad, I love the seasons.” And so it is with you. Short, declarative statements about simple things that make you happy.  The first snowfall. A rainstorm with water coursing down the gutter.  A beautiful day. A funny joke. Unwrapping presents. Riding your bike. Sand and waves on a beach.  The perfect way two things fit together.  Little, simple things make you happy buddy. And that is such a great way to be. Never lose that quality, and you will be in for a long and very contented life.
• You are by nature polite.  From the very earliest days, you were always saying “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.” It may seem like a small thing, but civility and respect are qualities you have always had. The world is in short supply of both, and whenever something is that rare, it is bound to be valuable. Always be that way, Aldy, even if no one else around you is, and it will pay off before all is said and done.
• You have no guile in you. To this day, you refuse to lie, even when there are consequences to telling the truth. Wow.  I have so much respect for you I can’t even begin to describe how impressed I am by your honesty.  I will always believe you buddy, because you have never given me a reason to do otherwise, and so far, it hasn’t even crossed your mind to do that. You are wonderful. 
• You say really great prayers. I love family prayer, and waiting to hear what you will say. You  give it so much thought, take whatever time is necessary, and say what is in your heart. Prayers do more good than we will ever know, and yours are special. Keep up the good work!

• Last But Not Least, You Are A Great Brother.  You are so patient with Keegan. You let him pal around with you talking non-stop like he does, pestering you with questions, insisting on doing things his way, and yet you rarely lose patience with him. And you love Kate so much, and are so good with her.  Family is the most important thing on this planet, Aldy, and you already know how to do it so well. Thank you. 

I love you so deeply, little buddy. I am the luckiest dad in the whole world.  Happy, Happy Birthday!

Love,

Dad.