After my daughter’s birthday celebration, the joy and excitement were still palpable in the air. As the candles flickered out and the last remnants of cake were devoured, she turned to me with a sparkle in her eye and asked five questions that caught me off guard.
Each question was simple yet profound, reflecting her curiosity about the world and her place in it.
1. Why do we celebrate birthdays?
I paused for a moment, contemplating how to convey the meaning of birthdays. “We celebrate birthdays to honor the day you came into the world,” I explained. “It’s a way to show love and appreciation for the unique person you are.
Each year, we celebrate not just the passage of time, but all the wonderful memories we’ve created together.” Her eyes lit up at the thought of being special, and I was reminded of the importance of recognizing individual milestones.
2. What makes me unique?
Her question caught me off guard. I could have listed off traits, talents, and interests, but I wanted to convey something deeper. “You are unique because of your spirit, your creativity, and the way you see the world,” I said. “No one else has your combination of kindness, laughter, and imagination.
That’s what makes you truly special.” I could see her processing this, realizing that being herself was more than enough.
3. Why do people love each other?
This question opened up a whole new realm of conversation. I wanted to give her an understanding of love that was both simple and profound. “People love each other for many reasons,” I began. “Love can come from shared experiences, mutual respect, and the joy we find in each other’s company. It’s that feeling of connection and understanding that makes life richer.” I encouraged her to think about the people she loved and how those connections made her feel.
4. What is the meaning of life?
Ah, the classic question. I smiled, knowing that this was one of those questions that adults often grapple with, yet it came from the mind of a child.
“The meaning of life is something everyone discovers for themselves,” I said thoughtfully. “For some, it’s about chasing dreams, for others, it’s about family and friendships.
What matters is finding what brings you joy and pursuing it.” I encouraged her to explore her passions, knowing that her journey would unfold in beautiful ways.
5. Will you always be there for me?
This question tugged at my heart. I knelt down to her level, looking her in the eyes. “I will always do my best to be there for you,” I reassured her. “Life may change, and we may face challenges, but my love for you is constant. You can always count on me.” It was important for her to know that, no matter what, she would have a support system as she navigated the ups and downs of life.
As the day wound down and we settled into a quiet moment together, I reflected on how these questions, simple yet profound, highlighted her growing understanding of the world. They reminded me of the beauty of childhood curiosity and the responsibility I had as a parent to nurture that curiosity.
In that moment, I felt grateful—not just for her questions, but for the opportunity to be part of her journey. As she drifted off to sleep, I promised myself to remain present, to encourage her inquisitive spirit, and to always create a space where she felt safe to ask anything.
Life is a series of questions and answers, and I knew that as long as I was there to share my thoughts and listen to hers, we would both continue to learn and grow together.
