December 27, 2005

Dear Tatiana,

I can never be a failure because of you.

How are you doing? I sure hope you are doing well. How has Christmas been for you? Do you like all the Christmas presents you received this year? But for you the presents do not stop at Christmas, because your birthday is just around the corner. I remember when you were born just like it was yesterday. It was New Year’s Eve in the year 2000, me and your mom had already planned on spending the evening together.

I was working at a restaurant called Casey’s back then, in-fact your mom was also working there as well. But at that point in the pregnancy, she had stopped working because we were expecting your birth soon. I believe your mom worked up to the eighth month of her pregnancy. Your mother had to be one of the best pregnant woman ever, she is so strong. Now back to the story, after my shift at work, I made my way over to your grandparent’s home. Later we drove over to a restaurant to eat, I think your mom had a B.L.T sandwich and I had a steak sandwich with fries. Now after that we went over to my mother’s home, where I was living, we planned on spending the night there.

Early the next morning on New Years Day 2001, your mom was coming down the stairs when her water broke, which meant that she was going into labor to give birth to you. We immediately called the hospital to tell them we were coming and we also called Su-yen so she can meet us at the hospital. Your mom’s contractions were small, so we were able to get something to eat on the way to the hospital, your mom had a bagel with some orange juice. When we got to the hospital Dr. May Wong was not there yet, but in the meantime we were put in a delivery room while we waited for you to be born.

As time went on, Su-yen and your grandmother showed up and a couple of my friends. After all this, things got a little slow and we waited until your mom was ten centimeter dilated, which took up until about ten in the evening. Now remember we got to the hospital at nine in the morning, so around 10:39 pm, 2001, I got the greatest gift ever in my life. The emotion myself and your mom felt was indescribable, we both were had tears of joy. I know the day will come when you will get to experience such ecstasy. Happy birthday Tatiana Kassandra Urcuyo Onigbinde, I will love you till the day nothing ceases to exist. You are the wind beneath my wings.

Love Papa.

When you meet people who think different from you, take the chance to learn something different.