So Much In Such Little Time

To my dearest son, my first born,

Eleven years ago, at this very hour, I held you in my arms for the very first time and felt myself bursting with so much joy and happiness.

Ten years ago, your chubby little legs were still wobbly with their first steps.

Nine years ago, you were already enthralled with computers and what they can do. (Your favourite program was ‘Jumpstart Toddlers’.) And your memory was already amazing even then — whenever we’d reach one particular petrol station, you’d start to cry because you’d already known then that it meant I’d be leaving you in playschool.

Eight years ago, you were so happy when your Lola and I showed up in your playschool with a birthday cake for you, your sister, and your friends. You were much happier in playschool then because your sister was with you.

Seven years ago, you had so much energy that you spent a lot of your time in Prep class running around. But to your teacher’s surprise, despite your apparent lack of attention, it turned out you were absorbing everything like a sponge.

Six years ago, you started to shine in school, with a ‘Best in Class’ certificate to prove it.

Five years ago, you jumped into Primary School. And you were so thrilled to be able to finally start taking Tae Kwon Do lessons.

Four years ago, you lost both of your two front teeth. But it never stopped you from grinning into the camera nonetheless.

Three years ago, when you chipped your ankle and had to wear a cast for months, you showed everyone that it’s still possible to ‘run’ even when using crutches.

Two years ago, you had a brief taste of life in front of a camera. And found out for yourself that what you see on TV is not necessarily true.

Last year, you still had to be woken up every morning. Now, you wake your siblings up so that they wouldn’t be late for school.

You have grown so much, learned so much, progressed so much within such a short period of time. Your capacity for understanding and reading between the lines astounds me. And you continue to surprise me with your keen observations, ideas, and insight about anything and everything around you. Never mind if you still do your trademark ‘sleepy dance’…

Oh how time flies! Before I’ll probably even realise it, we’ll soon be shopping for tuxedos for you!

Happy 11th birthday, my beloved son!

With more love than my heart can hold,
Mama