Dear Ruth Carmela Zamielle,
How time flies.
I know you have heard this so many times before but I can't help but wonder how fast time really flies. It seemed like it was only yesterday when you turned one year old and then suddenly you're now six. It was only yesterday when you learned to talk and walk but now you already know how to use the Facebook. Wasn't it just the other year when you began to read like a pro? Now, I can't fool you anymore because you can read every word I show you. I still remember how we used to hold your two hands to teach you how to walk but now you rarely need my assistance anymore.
Anak, I am glad you are growing up fast..faster than I have imagined. I am truly happy that your brain developed earlier than we have expected yet I am also sad, thinking that sooner or later, you will not be needing us anymore. You are quickly adapting to this world, learning a lot of things everyday. You never fail to surprise me with your witty retorts. You always amaze me with the maturity you are showing- something we didn't have when we were your age.
I must admit I was excited to give you your own room, your own bed, your own sanctuary. I was excited when you asked to have a space you can call your own. But on the night you finally slept on your own bed, I was not able to sleep. What if you fell? What if you get hurt? What if...? I wasn't able to sleep well fighting the urge to check on you, to see if you're okay. Thank God. You slept soundly and didn't seem to miss us at all. You woke up all smiles having found your own niche.
Your mom and I have been telling each other that it was a mistake to give you your own room this early. I'm sure she misses your hugs at night. I'm sure she misses how you twist and turn beside her and use her tummy as your pillow. I miss you too. I miss how you unintentionally kick my face or rest your legs on my tummy; and how I carefully move about so as not to wake you up. I miss how you whimper whenever your sleep is disturbed by the slightest sound. I miss tickling your feet and kissing your face just to wake you up in the morning. And I miss how you play with my ears or nose whenever you wake up ahead of me.
Did you know that I look forward to waking up and waiting for you to hug me? I hope we will never forget that routine even though you're already grown up. I wish we will always walk hand in hand especially when I'm already too old to walk straight. I wish you would never leave our side but I know sooner or later you would want to pursue your own destiny. I know that nobody can stop you from walking your own path in the future but I hope you will always be ready to listen to us. Our hands will always be ready to pull you up when you fall down and even carry you with my wobbly legs when you're too tired to walk...just like how I used to carry you on my shoulders.
Sometimes your mom and I cant help but tell ourselves how we wish you will not grow up so soon. We know that is silly but you can't really blame us for feeling that way. We will probably dread the day when you will have to bid us goodbye to live in a boarding school (not abroad I hope). It would probably be the saddest day of our lives but we will have to embrace it. As your parents, we will do our best to support you in your future endeavors, to give you the best education there is, to ensure you will have a good life and a bright future.
Lastly, always remember that we love you very much. Happy 6th Birthday, Ruthie!
Love,
Daddy
