What I want for you, Deven Reid Sharma

On the eve of Deven's 6 month birthday, I thought I'd share something I wrote the day he was born. I hope he reads it someday and smiles.

I want you to lead a life that is happy, healthy, and fulfilled.

To be kind, hardworking, creative, passionate, and loving.

To learn how to light up a room when you walk in - in your own way.

To not accept peer pressure when young,
and to battle injustice when older.

To find something - or 2 or 3 or 300 things - that you love and believe in and get passionate about...
and to work hard to improve those things.

Maybe I'm just saying that I want you to succeed at something(s) that you love.

To communicate well...it will take you far.

I want you to learn, and learn, and learn, and love learning.

To travel, adventure, and return to tell me and your dad the stories.

To take calculated risks - whether on your bicycle, or in your portfolio.

To love your cultures and respect others.

To love yourself, and to know that your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles love you very much, too.

Happy Birthday, my son.

- Katherine Reid Sherwood, April 5, 2007