Dear Noah ~
You came into the world first, so you get the first post. Was it that you couldn’t wait, or did you simply have to beat Emi out of the womb? Perhaps a little of both. Over the years, I’ve watched you grapple with and ultimately begin harnessing that energy and power, and using it with grace and good judgment. I also detect a certain sadness in your gaze from time to time, a little indication that you too feel the weight of the world, even if you never let on, even if you champion through it. You should know it’s ok to share that weight, and it’s ok to feel that sadness.
You rebound and rally well, and life is more about accepting and acknowledging loss than winning every time. I know that’s not what it feels like, and that’s not what anyone will teach you, but I’m hopeful you will master the art of defeat when it has to happen. It makes for a much happier and richer experience. It makes you a stronger and better person.
Noah, I wish I could write something that would make it all easier for you, that would unlock the secret answers I always sought as a teenager, but if there were words or secrets or solutions, they’d have been written and shared by now. Sometimes you are wiser and more profound than your Uncle Al, and then I feel as though you are teaching me. That’s the way it should be too, and I promise to listen more and hear you out.
On this occasion of your 13th birthday, when the soul supposedly solidifies into its adult form, you are more put-together than you probably think. If you’re anything like me, this is the point in life where you will begin to form your most-lasting memories. That’s a lot to realize, and I won’t say too much more about it because part of the magic is in not knowing that. And while I don’t have very many of the answers you will soon be searching for, I will always be here for you. That’s what your Uncle Al is for. There will be times when you can’t tell your parents certain things, predicaments that you never meant to fall into, mistakes that you ever intended to make – and throughout it all your Uncle Al will be there to help in whatever way I can. I’ll make mistakes too, and we will have to forgive each other because we will get hurt sometimes, but I will always love you and want the best for you.
Happy birthday to my first nephew – to the young man named after the person who once gave hope to the world – and the person who gives me hope now – Happy Birthday Noah.
Love,
Uncle Al
