Dive for Dreams

Location: Strawberry Fields, Central Park, New York

Dear One,

As summer comes in full swing, I greet you happy birthday today. It adds more significance this year since you’re celebrating it for the first time in America.

It takes a lot of risks to leave the country of your birth where you succeeded first as a professional and then as a young business owner. Once again, you’ll be starting all over. But if there’s somebody going to make it, I know it will be you.

As a new immigrant, it won’t be easy. There’ll be many challenges to face. There’ll be lots of adjustments to make in every aspect of your life. But like those who had come before you, I’m confident you’ll be able to handle them with confidence and grace. Like they say, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. But enough of me giving the unsolicited advice. Let’s hear it from e.e cummings instead:

dive for dreams
or a slogan may topple you
(trees are their roots
and wind is wind)
trust your heart
if the seas catch fire
(and live by love
though the stars walk backward)
honour the past
but welcome the future…

It’s not hard to imagine the positive effects you have on people. The world is a better place because of you.

Again, please accept my best wishes on this special day.
May you have more birthdays to come in the company of your family and loved ones.

Yours truly,
P.