Letter to Umaiyal: First Words and Habits

Dear Uma,

You're one year and 7 months old when I am writing this. Just been a while since I wrote to you, mostly because of my work schedule, I couldn't find the time to shape my thoughts into words. That's a bad excuse, but I apologize sincerely.

As of today, you're growing so rapidly, that the moment I held you in my hands still feels like yesterday. With you, time flies and it's hard to swallow that it'd never come back. Wanted to record some of the noteworthy moments before they fade away.

You've picked up learning words, habits and behavior. The first word you spoke so clearly was 'Amma' just like anyone else in the world. But the next few words define your character for the rest of your life, in my opinion.

1. Vendam - meaning NO.

2. Muruga - The God

3. Mummum - Means food in your lingo.

4. Arohara - Praises to Muruga (You picked this up from songs you listen to)

5. Pappu - Our neighbor's dog

6. Thotho - Means 'dog'

7. Imba - Means 'cows and goats'

8. Thanni - Water

9. Damaal - onomatopoeic for falling down!

10. Poo - Flowers

And a few other random words, but the above 10 words make up your day-to-day vocabulary. These mean just another toddler thing for many, but to me, it means your unique perspective.

Learning to say 'NO' is a skill I've struggled with for most of my life. It has, at times, led to less-than-ideal decisions and outcomes. But seeing how you confidently assert 'NO' when needed, I'm genuinely glad. You've already mastered a valuable skill many adults struggle with. It's a wonderful quality that will serve you well as you grow. Your innate understanding of this simple word is a testament to your determination, and it makes me immensely proud. Keep this strength with you.

Words like Muruga, Arohara, Sivayanama are something I regret not discovering until I turned 25. What a remarkable blessing to witness your divine little lips and tongue uttering these sacred words at such a young age.

The other words define things you love. Animals and Nature. I am not sure my mere words will be able to picture your joy when you see a dog or a cow passing by our home or at the park. The sight of flowers make you smile, and what's better, you even love the leaves.

Observing and interacting with nature is what led humans to the holy exploration and made great thinkers and immortal saints out of the ordinary population. What happens to mankind as whole, will happen to an individual too, in his lifetime, provided the circumstances are in favor. I believe, you will grow to be a very a profound thinker with a lasting impact.

Habits

You're such a spirited little girl, and I can't help but wonder where you inherited that fiery spirit; perhaps it's from your mother, but shhh, let's keep that between us. Sometimes you clench your tiny teeth, tightly clasp your fists, and pound away when things don't go as you'd like them to. My neck, eyes, and hands bear the nail marks from your tender little fingers, but I cherish them. I believe it's your way of expressing yourself until you find the right words. However, it's important to remember that anger isn't the best path for the growth of your soul. When you grow up, one of the first lessons I'll impart from the Thirukkural is the virtue of "Vegulamai," which means "Restraining Anger." Thirukkural - Vegulamai (Restraining Anger)

You have the potential to become an exceptional teacher, leader, and thinker - this is not just a wish, but my steadfast belief. It's interesting to note that your athai, Renu, shares the same star and zodiac sign as you, and she happens to be a teacher. While this may not be conclusive evidence, what truly reinforces my confidence in your future is the way you naturally take on a teaching role, whether it's when you play the piano or create art with chalk,I say "appavuku solli kudu ma" and you immediately pick my hand and try to teach what you do.

You are adamant, but easily distractable. Which is a mix of good and bad traits, will have to think about harnessing them for good. Be adamant (determined) when the right thing has to happen, and distract yourself (shift focus), when your heart craves for a not-so-right-thing to happen. I hope you get my point, very soon.

You're the greatest gift of my life, and my job is to make you the greatest gift to mankind and the society; all the signs point me that we are on track to do that.

It has become a trend these days, to label a girl child, 'Daddy's Little Princess' but I don't want or think that you're such a kind. Not when the planet needs seasoned 'Warriors' more than pampered 'Princesses'.

Keep growing and we will talk soon, I mean, literally.

Loving,

Appa.

"From a father's love, a daughter finds the strength to become her own masterpiece, a gift both to him and the world."