A letter to a dear child

Today, as you march and go up the stage to take your oath as one of the new professionals who passed the board exam, I can't help but be emotional as I reminisce the good old days...

As you celebrate another milestone today, mom and I thank God Almighty for all the blessings He has given you all these years. This is indeed one very special moment in your life as you only do this once in your lifetime --- that is, taking the oath as a licensed professional.

Mom and I thank the Lord for all the years that we have shared together as a family, for the mission He gave us to be your parents. We may have been overprotective of you, but please understand that we are doing all these because we love you so much and we only want the best for you and your future.

As you take your oath today, we are filled with mixed emotions. For one thing, we could feel that we are indeed growing older as we see in you the image of a young lady who was our little angel not too long ago, somebody we used to carry and cuddle with so much love and affection. We fondly remember all those times of your very young life, like when we would read bedtime stories for you, putting you to sleep by singing out-of-tune lullabies, being by your side and offering you our dose of TLC when you were sick, buying items needed for your school projects, attending school activities, and a lot of other things which we personally did out of our unconditional love for you as your parents. Indeed, how fast time flies!

We hope that you will always remember the valuable lessons that we have imparted to you through the years. May you put into practice such virtues and traits as you continue with your journeys through life. Please remember that we will always be here for you not only as your parents but also as your best friends to whom you can turn to anytime in your moments of doubts, perplexities, as well as your triumphs and victories. You will always be our little angel no matter how old you are because our love for you knows no time. It is as boundless as the sea and as sure as the sunrise and the sunset.

Let me just quote these beautiful lines that I have read somewhere: "As you grow up, I feel you moving away from me in a direction all your own. I understand that you must follow your own path to wherever it takes you, but it is hard to let you go. We have always been so much a part of each other. My child, I know I can't hold your hand anymore or catch you when you stumble. I understand that you must separate yourself a little from me; it is a natural part of growing up. But trust my love enough to let me walk beside you as you seek out who you are and what you want to become. Let me be nearby as you explore your future and take it for your own. Let us take care that any distance between us never grows too wide to cross."

Mom and I thank the Lord for giving us the chance to be your parents. We thank you for giving us the chance to be your best friends.  We love you so much. And that will be forever... Dad & Mom