Happy Birthday, Alia!

My sweetest, dearest, most amazing girl in the world... Happy Birthday, Alia!

How did you celebrate it this year? I bet you had a great cake - I know you love cake so much! - and maybe you had some friends over for a party? Were you able to have people over or is COVID still causing restrictions in Holland?

Do you remember this photo? I took it on the stairs at home in Cairo on the day of your 4th birthday. I remember that day very well. I flew in from Saudi the night before, and I just could not wait to celebrate your special day with you. I loved every single minute of it! Today is 7 years past that day. I can't believe that you are turning 11 years old today!

I loved celebrating your birthday with you. Just the two of us, out on a date. You picked the place, what we ate, where we ate, and we just had a wonderful time together on your special day! This year, just like the year before and the year before that, and the year before that, I celebrate your birthday with all the love that I have for you in my heart. I go to bed and I whisper to you: "Happy Birthday my love" knowing that you hear me in your heart. I close my eyes and I celebrate with you in my dreams. I love you so much!

Love,

Dad