to my son

i remember the curls in your hair,

now locked into place

like tiny spirals of sunlight.

your brown eyes—

deep, bright, endlessly curious—

that catch everything

and see right through me.

i remember your laugh,

how it spills over like warm water

and fills the room

with mischief and light.

your silliness, your stubborn little grin,

the way you run around

chasing the world

as if it belongs to you—and it does.

i remember your voice,

bright and full of questions,

how it could make me smile

from hundreds of miles away.

every shy “hi”

and each tiny wave of your hand,

was a little spark,

bringing you closer

even when i couldn’t hold you.

i remember how you looked at

your sister—new, curious,

your eyes dazzling with

awe and wonder.

seeing how she cried,

how she giggled,

how her tiny feet would kick

in bursts of excitement,

and the way your little heart

seemed to hold it all,

so full of care and delight.

my son, know this:

even if life changes

and paths diverge,

even if one day you forget my face

or the small moments we shared,

i love you.

i always will.

you will forever be my son.

no matter the distance,

no matter the years,

no matter the stories that unfold,

this truth is yours forever.