It was the last week of June 2021 when we heard the best news, becoming parents. We felt overly fortunate and grateful to God for the blessing. Our life was no more the same afterward. Every day we had a new topic to discuss: a perfect name if it’s a girl and an admirable name for a boy; an ideal décor of the room manifesting joy, things to do for their comfort, and our new habits to stay healthy for his/her sake. Sometimes we’d stop but the next day we’d repeat the same conversation with new ideas. It’s called the joyful feeling of becoming parents for the first time, it’s a universal feeling. 

We foresaw a new life for ourselves settling in Bamyan forever. Then came July forcing us to part ways for the health and safety of the baby. Afghanistan started to fall into the hands of the Taliban unanticipatedly which changed the lives of millions in just a month. We were separated by fate but were in safe places. Thankfully, the baby was born in January 2022 and my life was different & better forever. I felt like to be the luckiest person alive. Because it was you, my sunshine, daddy’s little princess.

Mashallah!

I certainly believe it has been a rejoicing year because of the moments I enjoyed with you and the memories that are preserved with me. Nothing can take it away and I promise you’ll enjoy hearing them soon and reading part of it here. So Happiest Birthday Dear. May  You Have Many More Inshallah!

Spending time with you has become a source of jubilation than a moral obligation. I know friends complain about not giving them enough time because I’ve found a new friend in you. I’m entirely and honestly in my happiest mood every second I’m in your universe, it’s my heaven. You’re the moon and star of this little family.

Every step towards your growth has been a blessing to our eyes. I remember holding you merrily tight as you uttered ‘Baba’ for the first time. It was a sacred moment for a father, which can’t be put into words. I still remember your smiley face after recognizing your name for the first time and both of us calling you, again and again only to let that smile last longer. Maybe, I have never been this excited when you started crawling and making tiny efforts toward me. I can’t wait to see you walk and run to me soon, Inshallah. Can you believe that your mother had teary eyes watching you sit up for the first time? She just couldn’t stop taking your photos and videos. I love watching you recognize and crawl to my $25 bag making it worth a million because of your enjoyment in finding it. It’s not a mere backpack anymore, but a precious item. Yes, you have done everything by yourself. And I always believe you’re truly a strong and incredibly resilient girl.  And I have cherished every moment of your growth. Happy growing dear!

You’ve made me acknowledge even more the struggles my parents endured in my fostering. I bet you’re a lot better of a child than I must have been. Every day I wake up just to witness the delight in your eyes when your mother plays Surah Rahman as your morning ritual. May God protect you and the prayers brighten your path, always. I forget all the troubles of life watching you enjoy all the jingle bells your mother plays on TV. They transport me to the times I was learning them at school at a rather older age. You’re lucky to learn them much younger to help you become smarter. Your excitement is evident at ‘Wheels on the Bus’ or Cocomelon’s ‘Peek a Boo’ but your smile at me singing ‘Anam Anam. Yes, Papa. Khanda Kano. Yes, Papa. Girya Kado. No, Papa. Khanda Kano. Ha, ha ha’ elevates my soul with a feeling of gratification and comfort.
You are the comfort of my life!  

I have learned that I’m no near good at making animal sounds and my impressionist being fails to entertain you. This I admit without any hesitation but your delight makes me not give up despite sounding terrible. The spark in your eyes inspirits me to be part of that genuinely innocent delight for the rest of my life. And I pray that spark gets brighter with unending happiness that comes your way. You are the happiness of my life!

I have had the best year with you and wish you many more.

Happy Birthday ‘Gift of God’!

Jiger-e Baba!