Happy 13th Birthday Siya!

From Tweens to Teens, Siya is now 13! Today is your 13th birthday and you will officially say good bye to your childhood and be considered as a teenager. This has been the fastest 13 years of my life - I still remember holding you for the first time and crying, I have no idea why. And even today, when I see you painting and skating and dancing and playing drums and gymnastics and table tennis - there is a tear that still just rolls over. Can't help as I am so proud of you and what you have achieved. In the world of social media and whatsapp today, being 13 can be hard. It feels as though what you look like, what you own and how many followers you have will define you. All of these are temporary happiness, its like this flash lightning that you would see on a rainy day. Only conversations and books will have the ability to shape you and your thoughts. In the end, it is not about what brand you wear but what you say, how you act and most importantly how you make others feel about you. Try your best to be authentic, know what you believe in, how you feel and what you stand for. The world is getting a difficult place to live, contribute to this planet with your kindness and compassion and help reducing sorrow. This takes practice and not easy - but stay committed to get it.

As you continue to grow up, my love grows with you, always readjusting :-). It's not really a easy thing, standing by while you untangle yourself from me. There will be days when it will mean defiance and frustration but there will be other days where you will take initiatives, solve a problem and make a decision all on your own. My mom always told me four things to keep in mind as I grew up and I would like to pass this on to you.

Always, always and always keep faith in the All Mighty. There will be days where you doubt His plans or give up on Him. Just remember, no matter where you go and what turns you take in your life, He will be always there for you.

Second is Wisdom. You are incredibly thoughtful in how you can understand the complexities of the problems and the depth of underlying conflicts within difficult situations and circumstances people face. You are incredibly thoughtful and make sure you continue to nurture this.

Third is Compassion. I am always inspired by your gestures of support and acceptance of others, and I am so often blessed by your generosity in offering encouragement to me. Stay put here, you will help mankind.

Fourth is Joy. Every single day you wake up from your deep sleep, you open your eyes and you smile. You have this innate gift which is like this organic energy that is contagious. Just make sure no pressure should take this away from you. We read "The secret" together and I am aware you so believe in power of the universe - keep that shinning bright.

Your nani will be definitely proud today that your mom remembers all of this :-)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE SWEETEST, STRONGEST, PRETTIEST, FRIENDLIEST, COOLEST, CUTEST, FUNKIEST, BRIGHTEST AND THE NEWEST BORN TEENAGER IN TOWN!

Happy Birthday Siya, I love you truly, madly and deeply ... muah....