Today something very small happened.
I was dropping off your brother, while Mum was dropping off you, dear daughter. Different schools, different starting time. After saying goodbye to him, I started walking fast because I wanted to see you before school.
But you wanted to go in with your friend.
And that is completely normal.
Actually, it is beautiful. It means you are growing. You have your own world, your friends, your little independence. This is what should happen.
But later, I felt sad.
Not because you did anything wrong. You didn’t.
I felt sad because love often lives in very small moments. A kiss before school. A quick goodbye. A hand held for one second longer.
When I was young, I probably did the same with my parents. I was busy, distracted, in a rush. And now that they are not here anymore, I would give anything for one more ordinary moment with them.
So remember this.
Don’t feel guilty for growing up. Run with your friends. Build your world. Become yourself.
But try to notice the people who love you without any conditions.
The people who are happy just to see you for thirty seconds. The people who don’t need anything from you, except the chance to love you.
Sometimes a kiss is enough.
Sometimes a “ciao Dad” is enough.
Sometimes turning back for one second is enough.
Life is made of tiny moments. And they will be the ones you will remember forever.
With all my love,
Dad
* don’t feel bad because of my words, my dear. I thought a lot before writing them and I did because I think they summarise a universal value: your parents will love you, always and forever. And this is beautiful.
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