Dear Raj,

Happy 7^th Birthday.

At this point you can read pretty much any book but understanding/comprehending is a different matter. Don’t worry about it; time will come when this letter will make sense. I am pretty sure you would rather have an action figure instead of this letter and I don’t blame you, everybody wants an action figure in life that they can live through J 

People always say that you look like me and that you are mini-me. If only they knew how proud it makes me to hear that. Although I know, you are much more gentle, humble & kind than I could ever be… 

Every father has a dream and when they can’t realize their dream they want their Kids to fulfill it…So don’t blame me for pushing you to become a doctor or film director or a NASA scientist. But please remember, in my heart, I would be just as happy if you became a chef or a bartender. 

I still remember the day when we almost lost you, like it happened yesterday. You had passed out (with high fever) and were in the hospital. You were not responding to anything that the doctors/nurses were trying. They looked at us and asked us to call you out, so that you would wake up. You mom called out your name few times, but still nothing…We had this game where I would say RAJ in a stern/strong voice and you would just start crying, I never knew that stupid game would someday save your life, just as I said RAJ in that tone, you started crying and back to normal… 

At this point I am still growing and have yet to figure out a lot of things, but here are few things that I would like to share that will help you live the life to the fullest…LIVE, LOVE, LIFE…

Live…Is life a competition? Sure, it is, if you are Indian J. But as you always say, you are half-Indian half-American, so I think you should have different set of rules. I would rather have you threat life as journey and enjoy every moment. But when time comes and you want something really bad, give it all you can and then some more. I hope you find something that you are passionate about and follow it to the fullest. Don’t settle for a job that pays the bills. Life is too precious to waste on a job you hate. 

Love…I know how embarrassed you are when we talked about girls….but someday you would find that special person that brings a smile, every time you see her. Give your heart but know who is deserving and who is not. Live your life by the rule of love. Love your wife, your brother, your cousins, your children, your parents, your grandparents, your friends, with all of your heart but most important love yourself for who you are.

Life…Life can be hard, at school, kids have called you names and as I have said before, don’t pay attention to them; they are sore losers and will someday realize their mistakes. If it were up to me, I would go Hulk on their ass, but violence is never the answer. There are always people in life that hate for no reason…best thing to do, avoid them. When you find those few rare friends, hold on to them, spend time with them, and love them. There will be times when results are far from success, learn to live with it, learn from it and next time work harder. I know it is easier said than done but failure is part of life, laugh it off and move on.

You have asked me several times, how long I am going to live and my answer is always 100 J. I know you are scared of the day when I will die. Don’t worry about it, we still have a long way to go and lot of things to do, but when I pass away I want you to remember me with fond/happy memories. I still carry a family picture you drew, the day Veer was born – that to me is priceless. Let’s create priceless moments, which will last you 1000’s of years.

You are full of life; funny, loving, inquisitive, caring, smart - what more can I ask for – I love you.

Cheers to an awesome life that awaits you...

Love, Papa