Dearest Clea
On this day, your 12th birthday, I want you to know that love is present between you and me. I do not choose to love you; love simply flows when I am with you or when I think of you.
I want you to know that you show up in my world like sunshine: you illuminate my life, you brighten my life, you turn up and there is joy present and a spring in my footstep and in my soul.
I want you to know that you show up as simply amazing! I am amazed at how loving, how caring, how compassionate, how wise you are. And I have to pinch myself to get present to the fact that you are only 12 years old. Please know that I am so proud of you.
I want you to know that you can count on me to be here as both a stand for you to show up as great and make an awesome contribution to a ‘world that works, none excluded’. And you can count on me to be your safety net as you walk the tightropes in your life. I say that you can count on me no matter what. I say that you can share with me whatever you have to share with me no matter what. I say that you can count on me to love you no matter what.
Twelve years ago a surprise came into my life, the best surprise that has ever showed up in my life. You are that surprise. And I am so grateful that you exist and that it is my privilege to be a father unto you and have you show up as a daughter unto me.
Now please handover your iPod touch – you have been staying up late and today you did not get up on time and I had to wake you. You broke our agreement and I insist the price be paid. You can count on me to give it back to you after seven days. That is the way life works – there are always consequences, and they catch up with you sooner or later.
And finally, I thank you for the kindness that you have shown me and the joy that you have brought and continue to bring to my experience of living!
Your daddy (“Cuddly Bear”)
