On December 6th, 1995, at 10:15 AM – a Wednesday morning – my son Ali came to this world as a great gift to me. I loved and cherished him every day of his life.

Being a parent is quite a different adventure. It is hard to explain. And as an extremely empathetic person, I already am sensitive to others’ sufferings. But when I became a mother, I have found out that those feelings were nothing compared to the empathy you feel for your child.

When he is sick, you want to take his sickness onto yourself rather than seeing him in that state. If he is sad for some reason, you get ten times sadder than him. Or when he is frustrated, you try everything to help him solve his problem. And think that as he grows up and becomes an adult himself, you will start feeling less and less that way, but no, your child is always your child.

Watching the caterpillar becoming a butterfly

I wanted him to be a good person with a big heart. I wanted him to be a happy person. Happiness has always been the most important thing I wanted him to have, rather than success at school or sports, or anything else for that matter. I wanted him to do whatever he does out of love, not out of obligation. Because I believe if you love what you do with your life, then your happiness is almost guaranteed.

I must say my wishes came true. I am proud of how a fine young man he has become. How honest, positive, intelligent he turned out to be. He stands by his values. Helping people, being there for his friends, family, co-workers are his passion. He’s creative, constructive and productive about the subjects that are of interest to him.

When I attended his convocation ceremony and celebrated with him his graduation a couple of years ago, I shouted out and said, “I am proud of you, son!” while professors and other attending parents were smiling, hearing this proud mother’s voice.

My son, you are my joy, and I am very grateful for having you. My vision is you experiencing the best of everything, as long as it makes you happy.

I wish you a happy birthday and many more. I love you.