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”)
Existential Conversations For Playing Big 