Mira Matar

Harmony. Ready to hit the road. Ready to too! Forest time called for gloves. And for inquiry. And upon exiting, some sweets. Czech style. On the go. The ultimate hat for The Melbourne Cup? 💖💖💖 PS:  I wrote to your sister Dunia today.  But I don't know if she got or read the message.  She has for a very long time now had her personal liberties and her personal freedoms severely curtailed.  Ostensibly to protect her.  The reality is quite the contrary. Harming and destroying children's internal foundations (which come first and foremost from kids relationships with their parents) is anti-protection... And is utterly destructive. Given the manner in which it has been done, and the fact that it has been done (& continues to be done) with impunity ... Means that PATIENCE is called for. By both father and child. ... Today marked 13 years, since the day that your sister was forcibly removed from our family home... And forced to live at her maternal grandmother's...

A second morning with your great grandmother Masha. One must treasure those seconds. A farewell group photo. A farewell shot exclusively with you. The writing was on the wall, For the tears that followed... Once the took her seat on the minibus taking her home. Florist Natasha was delighted to see you. Actually, the sentiments seemed mutual. Zhenya and I got talking. He has an 8 year old, and loves Spain. Smiling and a positive attitude were amongst our talking points! He decided to leave you with a smile and some positivity. By way of an Ee-yoh the donkey keyring. Thanks! Back home with one another.  The dynamic, and dynamically developing, duo! AK reached out for some apple. He was left with only the goose. 💖💖💖

Your mother's paternal grandfather.. That is, your great-grandmother (one of two that are alive in fact) ..came to visit today. After I picked her up, we stopped by the mall en route home. The seasons greetings scenery was met with a smile. You went straight into calling her "baboola", Which is a caring and quaint reference in Russian... To grandmothers (& great-grandmothers). Drawing you both in. And joining you at your level. There was attraction and connection. You were happy. We took great-granny out for dinner. Good company. Our favourite burgers became a hit, not only with us. Moments with AK. Moments with you. The elder our relatives are, the less time that remains. Having said that, no day is guaranteed. Savour the time and chances that you get to share some. I hope that the three of you always do. 💖💖💖

Life sometimes feels like a blur. That's ok. Sit still and gain clarity. You can do it. All three of you. 💖💖💖

AK was the first to get up today. Even with the little extra sleep you grabbed, you made it clear that you could have done with some more. Your energy was up and running an hour later, at the medical centre. You even imagine up, and execute on, your own games. 8kg and 70cm. Looking good. The dynamo duo, early evening. 💖💖💖

Ladies first. Welcome gentlemen. How about simply equal opportunity?! AK in his new hat! 💖💖💖

Up 'bright' and EARLY! Mum joined an hour later. The outdoors followed once AK lay down for his first rest of the day. Evening playtime, Influenced by the recent visit to the pool. Active! Pre-reading time. Rosy! 💖💖💖 PS: Your second cousin, Rami, got married today!!! Congratulations 🎉  Great that you got a chance to speak 2 days back, so as to wish him all the best; ahead of time!

Off for your first ever experienced at an aquatic centre! In the words of Richard Scarry, " The Best Morning Ever " With Me. With Mum Grandma and Grandpa came and spent the day at our place. They looked after your brother whilst we were out, And spent time with you both once we got back. Multi-generational love is a beautiful bonus; It adds something special, to the foundations built by parental love (both maternal & paternal). 💖💖💖