Dear Ruth Carmela Zamielle 2

16 July 2012

Dear Ruth Carmela Zamielle,

One year ago, I nervously waited outside a large room of a place called the St. Luke’s medical center. That room was called a delivery room and it was destined to be your birthplace. Inside was my life- your mommy with the best doctors and nurses waiting for you to come out of your cocoon. You were inside mommy’s tummy for nine months and it was time for you to see the beauty of the world. She was nervous and full of excitement as doctors prodded you to come out and breathe fresh air. I was summoned to mommy’s side to hold her hands while you were slowly and carefully guided to your new world- with Mommy and Daddy. 

We were there when you finally cried for the first time. We were beside you when you first kicked mightily and when you first opened your tiny beautiful eyes. I wish to God I could hear the sound of your breath and the beating of your heart. You were such a lovely baby and we fell so in love with you. We were both teary eyed, joyous and thankful to God as we carefully held you in our arms.

How time really flies. You grew quickly. Your mommy said you grew bigger and faster each day. I liked the idea that you grew faster than any other kid in the whole world. And you were the most beautiful of them all. In record time, you learned to open your mouth not only to ask for food but more inspiringly, to let out a mesmerizing smile. Your smile alone melts the heart of everyone around you. Grandpas, Mamitas, Titas, Titos- all magnified to your precious smile. It seemed to stop the whole world and lighten the day of everybody. Perhaps it is your gift. Perhaps you were destined to make people happy. Perhaps you were born to give light and life to your kind.

And yet you too had a temper like someone I know so well. You shriek to get nanny’s attention. You whine when you’re mommy talks to somebody else. And you like your milk with the perfect temperature. You’re in love with water especially the bathtub and the pool. You shout excitedly when you see a dog and you’re not afraid to touch and feel its fur. You love the company of people and you like giggling with them. And yes…you love being called beautiful. Like someone I know so well.

Today is your 1^st Birthday and I am sure you are as excited as your daddy and mommy. You might not understand everything but I hope you will feel how much loved you are. You are our most precious gem. Nothing in this world will ever equal our love for you. If I had a wish to make, it is to be able to watch you every step of the way, to be able to listen to every breath you take, to be able to enjoy the sound of your laughter, to be able to feel your delicate skin each day. And you know what’s the best music for my ears? It is when you call me “Daddy”.

Love,

Daddy