At the threshold to March, autumn is approaching without much awareness from us.  The night-long storm from yesterday evening was fierce and destructive, though it couldn't be matched with those catastrophic ones that swept across New Zealand last winter.

Melson was the only one who had a profound sleep over the storming night.  He is so innocent and ingenuous that even the horror of storm would be reluctant and unwilling to disturb him.  Melson is my soul, my life, my everything!  I can't help loving him at all times no matter where I am and what I am doing.

 

As for the external world, social and natural, he still has a lot to learn.  Even within this family his learning is never terminating.  For the time being, he doesn't know how to be a responsible and loving brother in particular, for example.  He even doesn't get the concept of siblings in general.  Parents as we are, Rita and I take the honor and responsibility to help him adapt to his prospective brotherhood.

 

Recently I am suffering from the daunting mental uncomfortableness whose etiology roots essentially in my scrupulosity about the probable deprivation of love from Melson for his forthcoming brother or sister.  In effect, throughout the "welcoming new-born campaign", it's not merely Melson who is to learn and explore.  Moreover, it's a considerable challenge for us to learn "family sociology", parenting righteousness in essence.

 

Melson is such a perfect gift from God that I can never love him too much by any means.  I still have a rather long journey to go in terms of being a father.  To date, at least one thing is explicit -- in the past years it is Melson who has been teaching me from time to time, rather than the other way around.  A second thing is more legible -- Melson is a best teacher of life! 

I was finally able to take yesterday off so that I could take Melson to the Royal New Zealand Plunket Association for his first "Well Child" clinic visit.  Located on the first floor of the Jubilee Building of the Parnell Community Centre, the Plunket clinic is not spacious with a medium-sized play room and a smaller nurse office.

 

Upon his arrival, Melson jumped out of his stroller and showed immediate interest in the toys.  He headed directly for and grabbed the toy bricks from the table beside the nurse, even before Rita and I said hello to her.  The consultation was not different per se from those previous ones we did in Hong Kong, if the difference between the Cantonese and English languages is not considered as an essential measuring instrument.  At the end of the visit, Melson's growth and development was satisfactorily reflected in the comments made by the nurse.  Surprisingly and rejoicingly, she awarded Melson a "smiling star" sticker by affixing it on his Well Child Book.  This is the very first physical award that Melson has got in New Zealand from a non-family member!

 

Melson grows fast both by size and mind.  Even compared with the kids born and bred locally of European or Maori descent, Melson is still a tall boy.  Reflected by his outstanding enthusiasm towards numers and music, Melson is more than good at logic and ratiocination.  Gifted by God, his intelligence and brightness is unattainable.  Full of pride and glory, I speak out that Melson is entirely the grand significance and merit of my life.  It is out of question that Melson's Well Child Book will be full of "smiling star" stickers in that he is the favoured one of God the Almighty!

Repeatedly reminded by Rita, I'm finally aware that it's my birthday today.  OK, another birthday in my 30's.  This is the first time that I spend my birthday in an "overseas" country -- if Hong Kong is officially considered part of China and a permanent resident of New Zealand, as I am, is not for the time being regarded as a New Zealander.

 

As I stayed up till late last night (or "early this morning"?), I was not able to get up before 8:00 as planned.  Melson got up even prior to me.  The very first words he said to me this morning was "Dad's birthday"!  I am not sure how he knew this, but he certainly did provide my "today" with a happy start.

 

I've not been used to remembering, let alone celebrating, my birthday since my early childhood.  However, Rita is overemphasising birthdays through her path of life.  To please her, and especially our little Melson, I have agreed to put aside my PhD for a while and arrange some family functions.

 

Since Rita and the two of her younger sisters celebrated my 30th birthday in Hong Kong a couple of years ago, I've explicitely felt the ageing effects on myself, both physically and psychologically.  Optimistically, Melson's grown up and it is the second-to-none happiness in the world to witness and share his robust and fast growth!

 

My own birthday is by no means important compared with Melson.  The justification is straightforward and watertight: he is the extension of my life!  I love you for ever, Melson!