Dearest Kichu & Kunju,
When you read this letter one day, I’m sure you will understand what I’m trying to say.
The two of you are undoubtedly passionate. I’ve seen it when you are playing with toys, engaging in fights with each other or listening to the stories I tell you. I want you to sustain this passion for as long as you can. You will be living in an era where technology will rule the roost. Amidst all the hullabaloo of the future, be good human beings. There’s only so much technology can do; it cannot, however, be compassionate. Help people when they need it and help selflessly. I feel that being helping and humane is going to be a great asset as we move forward in world. Have passion in compassion!
Both of you are ambitious – do reach for the stars. But don’t forget that life is not about the marks you secure or the grades you attain or the designation of your job. Life is about contributing to the world. Don’t think your contributions are zero – everyone does bits and pieces to make this world a better place. It’s the little drops of water that make the mighty ocean. So, whatever you turn out to be, always believe that you are contributing.
I know both of you like elephants a lot. I want you to understand that life is like an elephant. You feel intimidated by it sometimes. You feel it’s gentle at others. The important thing is not to be afraid of it. Adore it, embrace it, but be always in control of what you are trying to do. There may be stages when you feel life is unkind – that’s where you need to cultivate patience and bide those times. Treat the good times and bad times alike – nothing’s going to be permanent. Be happy always. And when you do feel down, you will always have your mother and me to talk to.
The famous German writer and poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once remarked:
“There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.”
Never forget your roots even as you soar high with your wings. Stay blessed, my sons!
Love
Achan
I am taking part in The Write Tribe Festival of Words #6. The theme for Day 5 is ‘Write a letter’
Wow! Such an emotional letter. There’s a lesson for a parent too.
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Thank you, Aesha. Parenting teaches us a lot of things and who better to share those learnings than your children!
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Excellent advice! Every parent should say this to their kids. We focus on stuff like academic excellence, and talent and career, but we forget important things like compassion, humility and contentment. 👍
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Indeed, Apeksha. It’s those little things that make us happy long after we have finished our studies or retired from work.
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This was such a beautiful letter with so many wonderful lessons!
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Thank you, Reema!
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Roots and wings. I was first introduced to that concept by my teacher and it has stayed with me forever. This is such a beautiful letter from a father who loves them.
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Glad you could relate to roots and wings, Bhavya. Thanks for your nice words on the letter!
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“There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.”
Best gift a parent can give to his child.
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Thank you, Sheethal!
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What a great letter for your kids! Thanks for sharing. #writebravely #writetribe
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Thank you, Steph!
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That’s the sanest thing some one could possibly give to their kids. Great going!
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Thank you!
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First of all, Kichu & Kunju are adorable names. They are lucky to have you as a compassionate father. Your kids are definitely going to value being a human being more than the labels which will get attached to them as they move along the way.
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Thank you, Anamika. Kichu and Kunju are their pet names. Yeah, I do hope they value being human beings as they move forward.
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Great article. Your sons will cherish what you wrote for them. One day they will take so much pride in the values you imparted to them.
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Thank you, Surbhi. Hope so.
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Beautiful letter, Sreedeep. 🙂 With such a parent to guide them, I’m sure they’ll not lose their roots or their wings!
PS: First time that I’ve seen life compared to an elephant. A distinctly Mallu touch, no? 😉
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Thank you, Vinay. Ha ha ha ha, mallu touch definitely. Hope the comparison wasn’t jarring!
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