Justin

My older boy turns 17 today.

I can’t believe that he is now a teenager, on his way to becoming a young man soon. It seems like just yesterday that I was carrying him in my arms. He was my regular breakfast buddy when he was a toddler as my wife had to take care of the younger one. We ate lotsa noodles and soft-boiled eggs and had many great father-son bonding sessions. I taught him to listen to rock music and shake his head like a mad man in the car and he dutifully followed my actions.

We shared the same bedroom and I always looked forward to our play time before bed. He will pretend to be Superman and be flying in the air as I balanced him with my arms and legs to make him “airborne”. We tickled each other and did fun things together, like pasting stickers on each other’s face. He was always game to try all my cooking experiments. I just need to tell him that the food tasted lovely and he will attack it with gusto.

School was never a problem for him as his absorption of knowledge was always good. Teachers liked him for his enthusiasm and curiosity. He made it to the softball team and the tough training sessions were physically good for him. By the time he was 15, he was already taller than his old man.

Son, you still have a long life journey ahead of you. As parents, we tend to want to always protect you from the bad things but sometimes, you need to face up to them yourself. These experiences will mould you into a stronger person. I hope that over the years, we have provided you with a strong foundation and inbuilt in you a solid framework to help you face your future courageously. We love you, son.